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"Dame Curtsey's" Book of Party Pastimes 
for the Up-to-Date Hostess 



The "Dame Curtsey" Books 



" DAME CURTSEY'S" BOOK OF NOVEL 
ENTERTAINMENTS FOR EVERY DAY 
IN THE YEAR. Illustrated with numer- 
ous photographs and line drawings. 
Handy 12mo. Boards, $1.00 ; leather, 
$1.75 net. 

" DAME CURTSEY'S " BOOKOF GUESS- 
ING CONTESTS. Boards, 50 cents net. 

MORE GUESSING CONTESTS. By 
"Dame Curtsey." Boards, 50 cents net. 

"DAME CURTSEY'S" BOOK OF ETI- 
QUETTE. Frontispiece. Boards, 50 
cents net. 

•• DAME CURTSEY'S " BOOK OF REC- 
IPES. Illustrated. Boards, $1.00 net. 



A. C. McCLURG & CO., Publishers, 
CHICAGO 



o 




COSTUME BARN PARTY 



"Dame Curtsey's" Book of Party 

Pastimes for the Up-to- 

Date Hostess 



By 

Ellye Howell Glover 

Author of "Dame Curtsey's" Book 

of Novel Entertainments for 

Every Day in the Year 

Etc. 




Chicago 

A. C. McClurg & Co. 

1912 



s" 



A^ 






Copyright 

A C. McCLURG & CO 

1912 



Published September, 1912 



^, F. HALL PRINTING COMPANY. CHICAGO 

^CI.A320869 



Foreword 

THE success of the "Dame Curtsey'' books has been 
such as to warrant the pubHcation of the present 
volume in response to the constant demand for 
"something new, something different'' that every hostess 
desires for her parties whether large or small. The 
schemes herein presented are all practical, many of them 
arranged for moderate purses, with directions clearly 
stated, for the benefit of the thousands of people who 
have no time to do their own thinking. Acknowledge- 
ment is due The Chicago Record-Herald and The Inter- 
national Press Bureau for the privilege of using much 
of the material that makes this book possible. 

E. H. G. 
Chicago, July i, 19 12. 



CONTENTS 

CHAPTER PAGE 

I Pastimes for January i 

II Pastimes for February . . . o . 13 

III Pastimes for March 34 

IV Pastimes for April 50 

V Pastimes for May 68 

VI Pastimes for June 78 

VII Pastimes for July 98 

VIII Pastimes for August 105 

IX Pastimes for September 116 

X Pastimes for October 123 

XI Pastimes for November 145 

XII Pastimes for December 159 

XIII Party Pastimes for All Occasions . .178 

XIV Party Pastimes for Children's Birth- 

days AND Common Days . . . . 215 

XV Choosing Partners — After Dinner 

Tricks 238 

XVI Suggestions for Bazars and Church 

Socials 245 

XVII Pastimes for Showers and Announce- 
ments 266 



Party Pastimes for the Up-to-Date 

Hostess 



CHAPTER L— PASTIMES FOR JANUARY 

A New Year's Toast 

Here's to the old year! Drink, hoys, drink. 
Here's to the days that have fled, 
Old friends, old wine, old memories; 
Drink to the joys that are dead. 

Here's to the Nezv Year stretching ahead, 
To the days that are blithesome and gay. 
May the joys of the old he the joys of the new, 
Its sorrows fade gently away. 

For the New Year 

ALL over the world New Year's Day is a joyous 
season, and the custom of giving presents is a most 
ancient one. In olden days the Romans carried 
gifts of dates and figs wrapped in gold leaf to their sena- 
tors with small bits of money. In the time of Shakespeare 
there were some very odd gifts associated with New 
Year's Day, among them an orange stuffed with cloves, 
or a gilt nutmeg. 

In France it is the general custom to present one's 
friends with a gift at New Year's, and I find many people 
do it here. Many of us love all occasions on which we 
have the opportunity of remembering our loved ones. 
Here is a charming verselet to accompany the gift from 
a sweetheart : 



Party Pastimes for the 

• Another year of smiles and tears, 
Another year of grief or glee, 
Another year of all my years 
I dedicate to thee. 

Diaries and ''Line-a-Day'' books are always acceptable 
gifts, and doubly valuable if inscribed with a sentiment 
like this, written in the giver's own hand : 

My sheets invite 
The hand to write 
Each day on one 
Of something done — 
I trust, no ill ; 
But better still 
A blotted scrawl 
Than naught at all. 

All those who contemplate having friends to watch the 
New Year come in will welcome this invitation and close 
the envelope with a ''beir' seal, or write the message in 
gold on a white bell-shaped card; add hour and address 
with name of hostess: 

Soon the midnight bell will chime, 
"One lap more for Father Time !" 
Come with song and merry din 
Help us bring the New Year in ! 

Greetings for the New Year 

Child of eternity, child of the silence. 

Fair New Year, 
Wise with the wisdom sages have left thee, 

Bend thine ear; 
Lift up the veil that covers thy features, 

Strange New Year ! 
Rainbow a promise over the darkness. 

Lest we fear. 
Bury our yesterdays, foolish and empty, 

Fathoms deep ; 
Leaving the mound unmarked, untended. 

Where they sleep. 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

Then shall the morrows find us valiant, 

Scorning fear, — 
Meeting thy glance with glance undaunted, 

Glad New Year! 

A New Year's Eve Party 

This really clever affair was original with the hostess. 
There were twelve guests. Each one was assigned a 
month in the invitation, and she came dressed to repre- 
sent that month. Then each girl had the privilege of 
asking a man who was to come representing an event 
or prominent person associated with the month repre- 
sented by his fair lady. 

On arriving, it was most interesting to see the ways 
the girls took to represent the months, and their escorts 
the events. For instance, an animated firecracker accom- 
panied "Ju'y/' ^ Santa Claus came with ''December,'' 
who was clad in pure white with a chaplet of holly. 

There was an informal dance, and at eleven o'clock 
refreshments were served. The guests all watching the 
hands of the clock, at five minutes before twelve arose, 
joined hands and sang, ''Auld Lang Syne.'' As the hour 
sounded, the hostess opened the front door for the passing 
out of the Old Year and the entrance of the little 
New Year. 

There was a fortune cake containing a good wish or a 
prediction for each one. The latter were tightly rolled 
and concealed in gilded nutshells. The place cards were 
cut in bell shape and had little calendars on them tied with 
a knot of red ribbon. The one who guessed the most 
events or characters was presented with a wee travelling 
clock ; the other two prizes were calendars. 

Party for New Year's Eve 

The invitations were on bell-shaped bits of red card- 
board, with lettering done in gold. The wording was to 

3 



Party Pastimes for the 

this effect : "Miss Blank requests your presence at a cal- 
endar party on the eve of the New Year to bid farewell 
to an old friend and welcome a new-comer. Please come 
wearing something to represent the month of your birth, 
one of the special days, if possible." 

On the night in question it was a most bewitching sight. 
Many had the flower, stone, and verse representing their 
birth month, and some wore an object to represent the 
special day or days in that month. For instance, July was 
gay with red, white, and blue and a fringe of small fire- 
crackers around the tunic of the gown, with a crown of 
gilt stars, and silk flags on the side of the bodice. She 
carried a basket of poppies, wore an enormous ruby ring 
and presented a card to the hostess, which read : 

Those who in warm July are born, 
The glowing ruby should adorn; 
Then will they be exempt and free 
From love's doubts amd anxiety. 

In the dining-room the table was in yellow, with a 
small tree for a centrepiece trimmed with gilt tinsel and 
small crepe paper oranges ; each one contained a small 
gift; in gilded walnut-shells on the tree, there was a 
"wish" for each guest. In fact, the hostess called it a 
"wish tree.'' The favors were dainty calendars; with 
the ice cream a "prophecy" cake appeared, containing 
a number of small articles, such as a ring, heart, wish- 
bone, thimble, button, coin. 

New Year's Reception 

New Year's calls, like many other good old fashions, 
are returning to favor, and it is now quite the thing to 
give receptions on the first day of the year. Especially 
for debutantes is the time auspicious, for the men have 
no excuse to offer for not being present. The hours are 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

from 4 to 7 and the opportunity is great, for everyone 
is apt to be in a holiday humor. After the reception an 
informal dance may follow with only ices served. The 
Christmas greens are in evidence, with mistletoe hung in 
bunches fastened by scarlet satin ribbons. 

There was an old custom that said mistletoe should 
be used at Christmas only, but the legends say that 
Christmas lasts until the sixth of January, or "twelfth 
night"; so, make the best possible use of the mistletoe, 
as there is something very fascinating about its waxen 
berries combined with holly. 

Punch may be served ; or a frozen eggnog is very nice 
and has a touch of novelty. Surround the bowl with a 
huge wreath of holly. In the dining-room the usual 
reception refreshments may be offered. 

A Good Resolution Party 

This, of course, should take place on New Year's Eve. 
Pass slips of paper with the word ''Resolved'' written 
at the top, with the request that a set of six resolutions 
be written, to be unsigned, but read aloud by the hostess 
at the supper to be served at ten o'clock. The hour for 
this party was ten, so that all would be on hand to wel- 
come the New Year. I give examples of ''resolves" that 
were forthcoming at such a party : 

I will be as honest as the times will permit. 

I will spend less time before my mirror — be the self-denial 
what it may! 

I will break no more hearts. 

I will not cross bridges before I get to them — it would be too 
difficult. 

I will be good to all, but gooder to myself. 

I will tell no more lies — except social ones, which are neces- 
sary, or I should be ousted from society. 

I will be what I wish to^ be thought. 

I will live closer to my ideals. 

My best self shall rule. 



Party Pastimes for the 

Where I pluck out a fault, I will try to plant a virtue. 
I will look at life through rose-colored spectacles. 
I will welcome all the bits of happiness by the way. 

As the hostess read them the guests tried to guess who 
was the author, and the one who guessed the most 
correctly was awarded a large calendar. 

The place cards at the table were small calendars with 

pictures of the new home of the hostess at the top. At 

each cover there was either a tin horn or a small drum 

which was used on the stroke of midnight. At each 

plate she had a tall white candle and a ball of red and 

black cord, which, she explained, signified the ''joys and 

sorrows'' of the year. To the balls cards were attached 

bearing this sentiment: 

Twine ye, twist ye, even so 
Mingle shades of joy and woe, 
Hope and fear and peace and strife, 
In the thread of human life. 

After the spread each guest was told to unwind his 
or her ball onto a gilded stick, and at the end of the 
"life'' line would be found a hope or ambition realized. 
As the hostess knew the people very intimately, it was 
not difficult to provide symbolic favors. For instance, 
the young doctor found a wee automobile at the end of 
his string; the girl with the wanderlust strongly devel- 
oped found a tiny steamer; the musically inclined man 
found a violin, etc. The flowers w^ere white, and at the 
request of the hostess the girls wore white, and the men 
came in summer flannels. It was a very pretty ending to 
a happy New Year's day now gone to join the procession 
of eternal years, one of the annals of the past. 

A Calendar Luncheon 

This luncheon may be given any time during January. 
Ask just twelve guests and write the invitations on little 

6 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

calendars. Have tiny pads and pencils at each plate, the 
name being written on the first leaf. With each course, 
six in all, two resolutions are to be written, after which 
the pad is passed so the resolutions will be written by dif- 
ferent persons. The hostess is to read all aloud when the 
after-dinner coffee is served around the grate fire in the 
living-room. 

This game may be played: Suspend twelve baskets 
from an archway or in the doorway, each one with the 
name of a month on it. Provide twelve rubber balls, 
each with the name of a month printed on in black. 
The trick is to see who can place the greatest number 
of balls in the right baskets. The score does not count 
if the ball does not go into basket of same name. Each 
person is permitted two throws with each ball. This 
is a hard game and full of fun. Award a calendar 
for a prize. 

A Calendar Tea 

May be arranged in this way: In the invitation ask 
each guest to state her birthday month when she accepts. 
Then, if it is a large tea or luncheon seat those having 
the same month at tables decorated especially to repre- 
sent it. On the place card have written important events 
of the month, the stone, the flower and the motto, if there 
is one ; also names of great men and women who have 
been born in the month. This makes very interesting 
conversation. 

Novelty for a New Year's Dance 

Have a florist make a large bell of wire; cover the 
frame with holly; a rim of mistletoe adds to the attrac- 
tion. Get balls of confetti; wrap in white tissue paper, 
dip in liquid glue, then in diamond dust ; place these balls 
inside the bell ; paste paper across the bottom, permitting 
four ribbons of red and green to come through from the 



i» 



Party Pastimes for the 

clapper. When the hostess wishes, four guests pull the 
ribbons, each guest gets a ball and a merry pelting with 
confetti follows, and all wish each other a *'Happy New 
Year." This is best for the close of the party. If the 
party winds up with a cotillion the favors may be horns, 
bells, calendars, and all good luck symbols. 

A January Birthday Luncheon 

This pretty luncheon was hastily arranged in honor of 
a friend who was going away, and by accident the hostess 
learned the day set for her entertainment was also her 
friend's birthday. As the guests were all very intimate 
friends and only too glad of the opportunity to show 
some attention to the departing guest, they all contributed 
a small sum with which the hostess purchased a charming 
garnet bar-pin. It was tied to a bouquet of red roses. On 
the card was written this verse, allotted to the month of 
January : 

By her, who in this month is born. 
No gems save garnets should be worn; 
They will insure her constancy, 
True friendship and fidelity. 

The flower for the month is the pearly snowdrop, and 
there was a huge bunch of them in a red Bohemian glass 
bowl for the table centrepiece. Red candles were used 
with shades of the same color, and a lovely fire blazed 
in the grate. Altogether it was a most hospitable aflfair. 
With the dessert of frozen pudding came a birthday cake 
with the name of the guest picked out in small red 
candies. The cake was on a candle board surrounded 
by a circle of blazing red candles. Each guest made a 
wish and blew one out before the cake was cut. After 
this the maid brought in the bouquet on a silver tray, 
and the pin tied in a wee white box with garnet ribbon 
was discovered. 

8 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

An "Old Christmas" Party 

The sixth of January brings "Twelfth Night," or as it 
was called in olden times, "Old Christmas." This date 
is really the "Epiphany," and is commemorated by 
Churchmen as the day Christ was made manifest to the 
Gentiles. 

On this day the Magi or Three Wise Men from the 
East, led by the star of Bethlehem, came with their gifts. 
How many of us remember Longfellow's poem, which 
begins : 

Three kings came riding from far away, 

Melchior and Caspar and Balthasar. 
Three wise men out of the East were they, 
And they travelled by night and they slept by day, 

For their guide was a beautiful, wonderful star. 

The custom of celebrating this day is prevalent in 
nearly all the European countries, and it is the j oiliest 
kind of a feast day in England. With some of the ideas 
given here I am sure many a hostess will arrange a party 
that will bring the holiday season to a memorable close. 

One thing that must be done is to burn every vestige 
of Christmas greenery. If perchance any be left, the 
place will be haunted by gobblins, one for every unburned 
twig or leaf. If there has been a Yule log, a bit of it 
must be saved with which to kindle the next year's Yule- 
tide fire. Personally, I knew a man, one of God's noble- 
men, who to the very last of his life clung to this tradi- 
tional custom. Even when he lived in one of our great 
cities and had only a wee grate, he burned a small slab 
of wood in lieu of the Yule log and carefully saved a 
fragment to lay on the grate "the next" Christmas. 
Would there were more of us alive to the sentimental 
side of things ; we would not have so many common- 
place days. Here is a verse in the quaint old spelling 

9 



Party Pastimes for the 

that tells better than I can of this custom. I cannot give 
the author credit, as it is unsigned : 

Kindle the Christmas brand, and then 

Till sunset let it burne, 
Which quenched, then lay it up again 

Till Christmas next returne. 

Part must be kept, wherewith to teend 

The Christmas log next yeare; 
Where it is safely kept, the fiend 

Can do no mischief there. 

A large cake is part of the Twelfth Night refresh- 
ments; in England the bakers used to try to outdo one 
another in their wonderful creations, and their triumphs 
were on display in shop windows, before which throngs 
gathered. In a cake to be eaten on this occasion there 
must go a bean, a pea, and a clove. If a man draws the 
bean, he is the king. If a girl gets it she presents it to 
the man she wishes to honor. The pea makes its owner 
''queen" if a girl gets it; a man getting it presents it 'to 
the girl he wishes to honor, and the one whose slice 
contains the clove must be the court jester, regardless 
whether it is a boy or girl. The evening may be filled 
with all sorts of merry games, dancing, and revelry, for 
at midnight the **Lord of Misrule" ends his reign. The 
twelve days of feasting are over, and the world settles 
down into a regular routine. 

St. Agnes's Eve 

St. Agnes's eve comes on the twentieth of January, 
and a hostess may give the required touch of novelty 
by following out some of the omens and traditions sup- 
posed to be connected with this day. 

On St. Agnes's eve young maidens were supposed to 
peer into the future to divine the character of intended 

lO 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

husbands. It was a time for love prophecies, the pin 
test being especially popular. So a paper of dolFs pins 
might be laid beside each plate with a copy of this quaint 
jingle: 

I stick this pin, this pin I stick, 
To know the thing I know not yet; 
That I may see 

The man that shall my husband be — 
Not in his best or worst array, 
But what he weareth every day, 
That I to-morrow may him ken 
From among all other men. 

A row of pins is taken out while a line is repeated, and 
all the pins must be put in the sleeve. To make the charm 
effective, they say, the waist with all the pins must be 
worn all night. The man who comes to remove the pins 
is the one. I suppose if the maiden has a dreamless night 
that she is doomed to single blessedness for another year. 

Rosemary and thyme were the especial flowers to be 
used on this day. If the old-fashioned posies can be 
found, put a nosegay at each plate with a pair of tiny 
wooden shoes. At the finish of the luncheon, dinner or 
whatever the affair may be, each girl is to take a bit of 
''rosemary and thyme'' and place in the shoes. When she 
goes to bed a shoe is to be placed on either side of her 
downy couch to insure just the right dreams and their 
happy fulfillment. 

White flowers, with a white menu as far as possible, 
make a table pretty, passing with dessert a tray of 
marshmallows and a wee glass candlestick containing a 
white candle, one for each guest, to be taken as souvenirs. 
Toasting marshmallows at the table and watching to see 
whose candle burns the longest, is a happy finale to a 
luncheon or dinner. The first candle to go out foretells, 
'*no wedding for a year,'' the one with a flickering flame 

II 



Party Pastimes for the 

denotes an interrupted courtship ; the one that burns clean 
and clear to the socket means a wedding within a year. 

These suggestions may be utilized by each individual 
hostess as best suits her needs. Probably not one in ten 
will remember that it is the eve of St. Agnes, and the 
words may be written on the invitation just to give people 
something to think about. 

Toasts for the New Year 

God bless the master of this house, 

Likewise the mistress, too, 
And all the little children 

To whom the day is new. 

Welcome be ye that are here, 
Welcome all and make good cheer. 
Welcome all another year. 

Under mistletoe and holly 

A party gay and jolly 

In games will pass the hours away 

Of this our festive New Year's Day. 

Ring out the old, ring in the new; 

Ring, happy bells, across the snow; 
The year is going, let him go; 

Ring out the false, ring in the true. 

May every joy attend you, 
And Heaven daily send you. 
Blessings in heart and home. 

A resolution let us make. 

On this bright New Year's Day, 
Throughout the year we'll wear a smile. 

And fret dull care away. 

Come, let's join the merry throng! 

Upon the coach of life we'll ride, 
Speeding the coming year along 

Happy we'll be, whate'er betide. 

12 



Up-to-Date Hostess 



CHAPTER H.— PASTIMES FOR FEBRUARY 

For Candlemas Day 

ON the second day of February comes Candlemas 
Day, which was observed by our remote ancestors 
as reHgiously as Christmas. In fact, all of 
our festival days had their origin in religious rites and 
ceremonies. This special day was a feast of the purifi- 
cation of the blessed Virgin. In ancient times to burn 
candles on this day was supposed to ward ofif evil spirits 
for the ensuing year. The candles were also symbolical 
of our Lord's being the Light of the World. For a 
luncheon have an unshaded taper at each place ; and white 
flowers must be used, snowdrops if procurable, Roman 
hyacinths and lilies of the valley are both suitable. With 
delicate maidenhair ferns and a circle of white candles 
the table will be beautiful in its purity. 

Where doll supplies are kept, tiny candles and candela- 
bra may be obtained that are intended for the furnish- 
ing of doll houses ; they will make just the right souvenirs 
for an occasion of this kind. At the end of the feast pass 
wax matches and request each girl to light her candle. 
A bright spot in the flame denotes the receiving of a 
looked- for letter; if the flame is wavering there will be 
a spell of bad weather. In Europe they say : 

If Candlemas be fair and clear 
There'll be two winters in the year. 

The candle burning the longest means a happy, pros- 
perous marriage; the one that goes out first augurs ill 

13 



Party Pastimes for the 

for the bride. Before the candles are permitted to go 
entirely out, try this fortune: Let each girl stand three 
paces from the light and endeavor to blow it out with 
as few puffs as possible — for each blow denotes a year's 
delay in her wedding. The ice cream may be served in 
candle moulds, and a blanched almond lighted and put 
in for a wick will burn for several moments — long 
enough to bring out a chorus of "Ohs" and **Ahs,'' when 
brought to the table. The scheme will give the added 
touch of ^'something different'' so eagerly sought by 
hostesses, and will afford a new topic for conversation. 

For Dickens's Birthday 

The next special day on which the hostess may add a 
touch of novelty to her functions is the seventh, the 
birthday of Dickens, who is without doubt the king of all 
story writers. 

A club which devotes itself exclusively to his works 
planned this very clever and almost impromptu affair, 
which was held at the home of one of the members. 

The demand for charity had been great, and this en- 
tertainment was evolved with all the interest that quickly 
conceived and promptly executed things have. This 
shows what twenty young women may do when concen- 
trated action and the able assistance of an equal number 
of men come to the rescue. 

Post cards portraying Dickens characters were sent 
to the friends of the members, asking them to come to 
the Dickens shop on day and date given. The significant 
words, ''Bring a full purse," told the object of the affair, 
but all the plans were kept secret. 

There were six booths, as follows: 

''Great Expectations" was a fish pond, presided over 
by the enthusiastic daughter of the hostess. She had 
collected the articles, tied them up into interesting par- 

14 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

eels, and cleared a goodly sum. The "Old Curiosity 
Shop'' had a great variety of things, both useful and 
ornamental. The booth was decorated with old pieces of 
China and Sheffield lent for the occasion and was pre- 
sided over by ''Little Nell,*' assisted by her "grand- 
father." 

The "David Copperfield" booth, with "David" in 
charge, had a fine collection of copper articles, sold on 
commission for an "arts and crafts" guild. The prices 
were marked at so many "coppers." 

A very interesting booth bore the sign, "The Tale of 
Two Cities," and had goods characteristic of London and 
Paris. There were English and French china, post 
cards, neckwear and lingerie for sale. Tea was served 
with toasted muffins, orange marmalade, and there were 
chocolate and rolls. "Lucy Manette" and "Madame De- 
farge" were in charge. 

"Pickwick Papers" was in charge of Sam Weller, who 
sold toothpicks, icepicks, nutpicks, lampwicks, stationery, 
and magazines. 

"Bleak House" had a variety of attractive novelties for 
the house, presided over by "Esther Summerson." 

The club members were all costumed as characters 
from Dickens, and acted as reception committees. Charm- 
ing small volumes of Dickens were on sale at all the 
booths. Many of the articles had been contributed by 
merchants, and a number of things were sold on com- 
mission. 

For reading aloud we suggest Kate Douglas Wiggin's 
"A Child's Journey With Dickens" (Houghton, Mifflin & 
Co.), and selections from Henry Van Dyke's appreciation 
of Dickens, Scribner's Magazine for June, 1912. 

This affair would be seasonable at any time, and is a 
very novel method of having a bazaar for either a church 
or club society. 

15 



Party Pastimes for the 

For Lincoln's Birthday 

The birthday of the "Great Emancipator" comes on 
the twelfth and is worthy of our heartfelt celebration. 
Log cabins bought at candy stores, with realistic chains, 
are fine for the table ; very good log cabins may be made 
from sticks of horehound candy. The post-card dealers 
have a supply of Lincoln cards that will serve nicely 
for place cards or invitations. There has been a great 
revival in literature pertaining to Lincoln and a short 
sketch called "He Knew Lincoln" is just the thing to 
read aloud at a Lincoln party. Bales of cotton and lit- 
tle pickaninny dolls are suitable favors, and our glorious 
flag, small size, in silk, is always an acceptable souvenir. 

The refreshments at such an affair should be simple. 
Here is what one hostess had: First, baked beans in 
individual brown earthenware ramekins, hot Boston 
brown bread with raisins in it, potato salad, coffee, 
pickles, - chocolate blanc-mange in tall glasses with 
whipped cream, small sponge cakes. Molasses taffy with 
salted peanuts was passed. This was served to a card 
club so the hostess made the occasion a bit different by 
having Lincoln favors and score cards. 

Luncheon on Lincoln's Birthday 

The dining-room was decorated with flags, the centre- 
piece being a representation of a Southern scene with a 
realistic log cabin and darkey dolls dressed in blue ging- 
ham pinafores and a cute toy mule with a cart loaded 
with bales of cotton. Over the table there was a fern 
ball, in which small silk flags were thrust to be taken by 
the guests to pin on their dresses or put in the hair. 

The place cards were ornamented with a picture of 
Lincoln and the shield of the United States beneath it. 
At each end of the table there was a large bow of red, 
white, and blue ribbon. The menu was quite unique. 

i6 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

First, cream of corn, with bread sticks tied with the tri- 
colored ribbon. Tiny stars cut from cold boiled beets 
were on top of the whipped cream which capped the 
soup. Next came chicken breasts with cannon-ball po- 
tatoes cut with a tiny round cutter obtainable at any 
housefitting store; red and white radishes and green 
peas. Next '"patriotic" salad, made of tomatoes on white 
hearts of lettuce and mayonnaise served on blue plates. 
The dessert was ice-cream forts made by taking cones 
of vanilla cream and placing candied cherries on the side 
like gun sights, capping all with a flag. The cake was 
cut and iced to represent American flags, blue candies be- 
ing used for the stars. To hold the nuts and bon-bons 
there were drum-shaped boxes. 

Lincoln's Favorite Poem 

Lincoln was never tired of repeating or quoting the 
poem, "O, Why Should the Spirit of Mortal Be Proud?" 
by William Knox. It is not known where he first en- 
countered it, but it was his favorite bit of verse. 

We are delighted to give it entire, as so many young 
people and teachers will welcome it for the birthday cele- 
bration of our first martyr President. 

O, why should the spirit of mortal be proud? 
Like a swift-fleeting meteor, a fast-flying cloud, 
A flash of the lightning, a break of the wave, 
Man passeth from life to his rest in the grave. 

The leaves of the oak and the willow shall fade, 
Be scattered around, and together shall fade; 
And the young and the old, the low and the high, 
Shall crumble to dust and together shall lie. 

The infant a mother attended and loved. 
The mother that infant's affection who proved, 
The father that mother and infant who blest, — 
Each, all, are away to that dwelhng of rest. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

The maid on whose brow, on whose cheek, in whose eye, 
Shone beauty and pleasure, — her triumphs are by; 
And the memory of those who loved her and praised 
Are alike from the minds of the living erased. 

The hand of the king, that the sceptre hath borne, 
The brow of the priest, that the mitre hath worn, 
The eye of the sage and the heart of the brave 
Arc hidden and lost in the depths of the grave. 

The peasant, whose lot was to sow and to reap; 
The herdsman, who climbed with his goats up the steep; 
The beggar, who wandered in search of his bread, — 
Have faded away like the grass that we tread. 

The saint who enjoyed the communion of heaven; 
The sinner who dared to remain unforgiven; 
The wise and the foolish, the guilty and just 
Have quietly mingled their bones in the dust. 

So the multitude goes, like the flower or weed. 
That withers away to let others succeed; 
So the multitude comes, even those we behold. 
To repeat every tale that has often been told. 

For we are the same our fathers have been; 
We see the same sights our fathers have seen; 
We drink the same stream, we view the same sun. 
And run the same course our fathers have run. 

The thoughts we are thinking our fathers would think ; 
From the death we are shrinking our fathers would shrink; 
To the life we are clinging they also would cling. 
But it speeds for us all like a bird on the wing. 

They loved, but the story we cannot unfold; 
They scorned, but the heart of the haughty is cold; 
They grieved, but no wail from their slumber will come; 
They joyed, but the tongue of their gladness is dumb. 

They died — aye ! they died — we things that are now, 

That walk on the turf that lies over their brow 

And make in their dwellings a transient abode, 

Meet the things that they met on their pilgrimage road. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

Yea, hope and despondency, pleasure and pain, 

Are mingled together in sunshine and rain; 

And the smile and the tear, and the song and *the dirge. 

Still follow each other like surge upon surge. 

'Tis the wink of an eye, 'tis the draught of a breath 
From the blossom of health to the paleness of death, 
From the gilded salon to the bier and the shroud, 
O, why should the spirit of mortal be proud? 

College Hearts for St. Valentine 

This is played just like military euchre, except that 
each table represents a college instead of a fort. The 
tables are decorated with the individual college colors, a 
pennant of the school being suspended over the table ; a 
bow of the color is on the back of the chair. Tiny 
hearts are used for keeping the score, and each table has 
the college yell to use when victorious. 

Every game won is marked by hanging a large heart 
on the pennant above the table. These hearts have a 
wire hook attached for hanging easily. 

The following table gives an idea how to carry out 
the game : 

TABLE I— HARVARD 

Game i — Couple i and 2 defend table i. 

Couple 3 and 4 attack table 3. 
Game 2 — Couple i and 4 defend table i. 

Couple 2 and 3 attack table 2. 
Game 3 — Couple 2 and 4 defend table i. 

Couple I and 3 attack table 4. 
Game 4 — Couple 3 and 4 defend table i. 

Couple I and 2 attack table 3. 

TABLE 2— VASSAR 

Game i — Couple i and 2 defend table 2. 

Couple 3 and 4 attack table 4. 
Game 2 — Couple i and 4 defend table 2. 

Couple 2 and 3 attack table 3. 
Game 3 — Couple 2 and 4 defend table 2. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

Couple I and 2 attack table i. 

Game 4 — Couple 3 and 4 defend table 2. 

Couple I and 2 attack table 4. 

TABLE 3— YALE 

Game i — Couple i and 2 defend table 3. 

Couple 3 and 4 attack table i. 
Game 2 — Couple i and 4 defend table 3. 

Couple 2 and 3 attack table 4. 
Game 3 — Couple 2 and 4 defend table 3. 

Couple I and 3 attack table 2. 
Game 4 — Couple 3 and 4 defend table 3. 

Couple I and 2 attack table i. 

TABLE 4— BRYN MAWR 

Game i — Couple i and 2 defend table 4. 

Couple 3 and 4 attack table 2. 
Game 2 — Couple i and 4 defend table 4. 

Couple 2 and 3 attack table i. 
Game 3 — Couple 2 and 4 defend table 4. 

Couple I and 3 attack table 3. 
Game 4 — Couple 3 and 4 defend table 4. 

Couple I and 2 attack table 2. 

A Valentine Wish Party 

It was indeed an ingenious hostess who evolved this 
charming affair for St. Valentine's evening. For the 
benefit of many entertainers the scheme is given entire. 

The invitations, sealed with tiny red hearts, bore this 
jingle: 

We gladly indite you 
This note, and invite you 
On Valentine's evening to come 
And join in a hearty 
New-fangled wish party 
With friends who will make you at home. 

For some time previous to this the wishbones of all 
the turkeys and chickens that had been consumed by the 
family and neighbors had been saved with this occasion 
in mind. Now they were fastened upon a heart-shaped 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

valentine, one for each guest, a special rhyme embodying 
a wish being inscribed with gold ink. These rhymelets 
may be made to suit the personal individuality of each 
guest if the hostess takes a little extra time in the prepara- 
tion. A few specimens are given : 

I wish you were a hammer, 

And I a box of tacks; 
You could drive me very gently 

With gentle little whacks. 

I wish I were a gallant knight, 

And you my lady fair; 
rd serenade you every night. 

Oh ! what a happy pair. r 



I wish that life 

But held for me 
Some joy that I^ 

Might share with thee. 

I wish for you a life of gladness. 
Full of joy and free from pain. 

Full of mirth and free from sadness, 
Bright as sunshine after rain. 

I wish I were an elephant 

And you a bale of hay; 
Fd tuck you in my rubber trunk 

And carry you away. 

If you were a fisher and I were a fish 
Fd swallow the hook on your line. 

Because I should know that this was your wish. 
And your wish, of course, would be mine. 



If possible the rhymes may be illustrated with little 
pen-and-ink or water-color sketches, thus making a de- 
lightful souvenir of the party. To choose partners for 
supper or refreshments, suspend two bags heart-shaped, 
from the ceiling by broad streamers of ribbon or tulle. 

21 



Party Pastimes for the 

They must be several feet apart ; then thread baby ribbon 
through them, the ends hanging out of the side of either 
bag. The men take the end of a string on one side, 
the girls on the other, at a given signal the strings are 
pulled, the hearts are broken and partners are found at 
either end of a string. 

If it is a buffet luncheon and the men assist in the 
serving, they may be given aprons made from white 
crepe paper, having a border of flaming red hearts. The 
napkins may be adorned in a similar manner, if it is im- 
possible to buy them decorated for the occasion. 

Since the observance of "special'' days has become such 
a general custom, merchants have recognized the fact and 
keep a supply of novelties in the way of dinner favors 
and souvenirs for each occasion as it comes. If the sup- 
ply of wishbones is equal to the demand, one may be 
given to each lady to be pulled with her partner to see 
whose wish will come true. Artificial wishbones may be 
purchased by the dozen. 

Valentine Toasts 

Here's to the prettiest 

Here's to the wittiest. 

Here's to the truest of all who are true, 

Here's to the sweetest one, 

Here's to the neatest one, 

Here's to them all in one. 

Here's to you. 

She may be here, she may be there; 
She may be dark, she may be fair; 
Perhaps she's large, perhaps she's small; 
Perhaps she's low, perhaps she's tall; 
But till the sun forgets to flame 
Each heart shall pledge her changeful name; 
As pure as gold, as fine as myrrh, 
As dear as heaven — here's to her. 

— Arthur Guiterman, 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

Thy lips are sweet, 

Thy dress is neat, 

Thou'rt altogether hard to beat; 

But, best of all, thy pies and cake 

Are such as mother used to make; 

So if thou truly will be mine 

Then I will surely be but thine. 



A Children's Valentine Party * 

Issue the invitations on heart-shaped cards, preferably 
of pink, and decorate with pink hearts cut from thin 
cardboard. These hearts may be purchased by the hun- 
dred in all sizes, or they may be made at home. 

Have ready on a large sheet of white paper the draw- 
ing of a man, just the head and shoulders. Pin this on 
the wall, then blindfold a child and give him or her a 
bright red cardboard or paper heart. Turn the victim 
around three times and then tell him to walk to the man 
on the wall and pin the heart in its place. This is very 
funny. Next hang from a doorway or the ceiling a 
heart made heavy enough so it will hold the string down 
within reach of the guest, give him a pair of scissors and 
walk him once around the room with final instructions to 
walk to the heart and cut it down. 

After this a quiet game will be acceptable; so pass 
cards with the word "Valentine" done at the top. Allow 
fifteen minutes for making as many words as possible 
out of the one word. Then collect the cards and award 
a prize to the one having the most. In fact, rewards 
should be offered for the two stunts described above, as 
it always adds zest to work for something. There are 
many inexpensive novelties appropriate for St. Valen- 
tine. Oh, yes, I forgot to say that each guest should be 
requested to bring a valentine to be dropped in a box. 
Before refreshments the hostess takes them all out of 
the box, gives one and a pencil to each guest, telling 

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Party Pastimes for the 

the girls to address it to a boy and the boys to address to 
a girl, after which she distributes them. To choose 
partners for supper or for a game, make as many hearts 
as there are couples, cut them in irregular bits, then tell 
the company to find their **other half/' See that no two 
hearts are cut alike. 

A Valentine Luncheon 

Send the invitations on valentines inclosed in the regu- 
lation fancy envelope. For the table centrepiece have a 
Cupid, and from this little god of Love have garlands 
of tiny artificial rosebuds sewed on baby ribbon radiating, 
to each place. 

The guests may find their seats by hand-painted hearts 
on which are portrayed each one's fad or fancy with no 
names written. The figures will be all Cupids. One 
card showing him with a camera, another portraying him 
on horseback, another carrying a golf bag, etc. Small 
hearts sprinkled over the table at random are decorative, 
also a fringe of them around the candle shades. 

For souvenirs get heart-shaped boxes with a gilt ar- 
row on top, fill with tiny heart bonbons. This is a de- 
lightful menu and not too elaborate, so almost any hostess 
will be able to utilize it. 

Serve heart-shaped canapes spread with anchovy paste, 
then tomato bouillon with a spoonful of whipped cream 
on the top, placed there just before sending to the table; 
a crown roast of lamb with peas in heart-shaped pastry 
cases; sweet potato croquettes, a salad of string beans, 
minced sweet pepper, carrot cubes and cauliflower 
moulded in heart-shaped forms with gelatin; put a dash 
of mayonnaise or with a beet heart on top. Heart-shaped 
meringues filled with strawberry ice-cream make an at- 
tractive dessert. There are heart-shaped bonbons to be 
tied together with gilt tinsel, which look very pretty in 
tall glass comports at either end of the table. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

Unique Valentine Invitations 

The hostess at a card club had these quaint invitations 
for a party Feb. 14: In bright red envelopes she placed 
hearts of lurid hue on which was written: "Hearts are 
trumps. No previous attachments considered." The 
date, hour, name, and address followed. She had hearts 
shaped from ice-cream, which she cut from brick cream 
with a tin heart-shaped cutter, and the cakes were made 
the same way. The score was kept by dropping candy 
motto hearts into a silk bag made like a heart, the draw 
string being of gold cord. Gilt hearts were glued on the 
bags, which were of red and decorated. Red carnations 
were used, and small dolls dressed in tulle with gilt wings 
representing Cupids were the favors at each place. 

Caramel Valentines 

Try this clever little scheme called "Caramel Valen- 
tines'' ; Take red or white cardboard hearts, paste little 
hearts all over them for decoration, and right in the mid- 
dle put a caramel wrapped in gold or silver paper. Make 
tiny slits on all four sides, through which run baby ribbon 
(use a ribbon runner). Cross the ribbon over the cara- 
mel so as to keep it in place; tie in a wee bow on top. 
Write something like "Sweets to the sweet'' on top be- 
neath the bow. Children also love heart-shaped cookies 
made with hole in the top through which ribbon may be 
run for favors. 

King and Queen of Hearts 

For "King and Queen of Hearts" the invitations must 
be heart-shaped. The hostess may draw a heart outline 
in black India ink and write the words in red. First 
have a hunt for hearts, using candy motto hearts or small 
ones of cardboard or paper that may be purchased by the 

25 



Party Pastimes for the 

hundred for a nominal sum. The man who finds the 
most is crowned ''king/' and the girl who captures the 
most will be the "queen of hearts." Make the crowns 
of pasteboard covered with gold paper, notch the edges 
into points capped by a heart, then paste hearts around 
the rim. 

There should be large hearts to be worn like shields, 
tied in place by ribbons. These are minute directions, for 
there have been so many requests from very young read- 
ers who want to know exactly how to give a Valentine 
party. 

The royal pair may be given envelopes containing red 
hearts marked with black hearts, which the queen dis- 
tributes to the men, each being numbered; the king dis- 
tributes to the girls white ones marked with tiny red 
hearts, also numbered. When the numbers are matched 
partners will be found for refreshments. 

As a pretty feature the hostess may have valentine 
sentiments written on cards attached to an immense 
heart, suspended in the hall, from which colored cords 
wind in and out, up stairs and down. This is Cupid's 
maze; when unravelled, there will be a valentine favor 
on the end of each string. 

Allow twenty minutes for the writing of original val- 
entines, with a prize for the best, all to be read aloud, the 
girls voting on the men's creations and vice versa. 

To make things lively during refreshments have the 
doorbell ring violently and a postman enter with ''special 
deliveries" from Cupid's court. This would be a good 
way to present any souvenirs the hostess might wish to 
give. They might be just valentine postcards for each 
one. They are so attractive this year. 

For the table centrepiece there should be a large heart- 
shaped cake containing a thimble, ring, coin, heart, lock, 
key, and any other articles the hostess may wish to put 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

in. The ''queen'' will preside over the cutting of the for- 
tune cake and the ''king'' with much ceremony will pass 
it. Ices, cakes, meringues, sandwiches, patty shells, and 
bonbons may all be ordered in the form of hearts. At- 
tractive candle shades for this function may be made by 
tying four hearts together with bows of ribbon and hav- 
ing a fringe of wee hearts. Heart festoons to the table 
corners are also good, with traceries of the tiniest hearts 
imaginable over the table. 

Washington's Birthday Celebration 

Clubs, churches, and individual hostesses seem to plan 
for special entertainments for February 22, It is a day 
we all celebrate in grateful remembrance of the first man 
honored by the Presidency. We honor him not only as a 
patriot, but in these days of ardent revival of all things 
colonial we recall Washington as a splendid example of 
life as it was at that time. Thinking that the "Father 
of Our Country" is often feted to the exclusion of his 
better half, a woman's club planned a most interesting 
reception at which the wives of our presidents acted on 
the reception committee. Most libraries and many family 
bookcases contain two volumes entitled: "Ladies of the 
White House," and from the illustrations therein the cos- 
tumes were made. 

The room was transformed into regular colonial style 
by borrowing or renting furniture of the period. It is 
surprising how much may be collected, such as brass 
candlesticks, foot warmers, pewter, plate, old china, and 
spinning wheels. There was a programme of typical 
American songs to the accompaniment of an old melodeon. 

The tea table had four ladies to pour, a half-hour each 
at a time, and the young women of the club dressed in 
costumes as described in "Janice Meredith." There were 
tea, coffee, Banbury tarts, sponge cake, sandwiches of 

27 



Party Pastimes for the 

salt-rising bread, wee pickles, orange marmalade, and 
preserved ginger, served by these attractive maidens. 

There was a short programme bringing out each White 
House lady as her name was called, with some incident 
that made her career in Washington memorable. 

In the tearoom the predominating colors were blue 
and buff, and the walls were covered with some old prints 
of famous Americans. They were made in the fifties, 
and were very interesting. 

Such affairs are educational and enjoyable. We are 
apt to think the women have had no very active part in 
forming our history, and it is well worth while to disa- 
buse any mind of any such fallacy. 



Novelty Ice Cream and Cakes 

To serve ice cream on February 22, make balls of 
vanilla cream, pile three up like cannon balls and stick 
a small silk flag in the top of each just before sending to 
the table. The cake may be cut from a large sheet of 
layer cake into rounds by using a biscuit cutter ; frost all 
around with chocolate icing and serve with the ice cream. 
Children are delighted with this pretty arrangement. It 
only takes a little extra time, and surely the birthday of 
the nation's father is a special occasion. 

Here is a recipe for George Washington hatchets: 
Mix and sift two cupfuls of flour and half a cupful of 
brown sugar. Add half a cupful of butter and the yolk 
of two eggs, and work, using the hands, until smooth. 
Toss on a slightly floured board, roll to one-third of an 
inch in thickness and cut in hatchet shapes, using a sharp- 
pointed knife, being guided by a soft cardboard pattern 
previously prepared. Place a candied cherry on each 
hatchet and brush over with the yolk of ^^g slightly 
beaten and diluted with one teaspoonful of water. Place 

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on a tin sheet and bake in a slow oven until delicately 
browned. 



A Hatchet Party for the Twenty-Second 

This hatchet party was given by an organization that 
stands for temperance, but the scheme could be adopted 
for other purposes as a novelty for the Twenty-second. 
The invitations were issued on hatchet-shaped cards, and 
the envelopes fastened with a patriotic seal. Here is the 
invitation : 

"Ye Young Women of the Y. W. C. A. extend ye in- 
vitation to meet ye Hatchet Family of ye anciente tyme 
at ye home of Miss Mary Brown on ye evening of Febru- 
ary ye 22d of ye year of our Lord 191 1, at eight of ye 
clock." 

Below is a list of the receiving dames, dressed in 
Martha Washington costumes consisting of flowered 
chintz over-dresses, with skirts of a plain colored satine, 
perhaps quilted. The waists will open over a white ker- 
chief, with elbow sleeves. Round caps, with frills of 
lace, surrounded by a band of ribbon, complete these 
very becoming dresses. 

Johanna Adams Hatchet. 

Tomazine Jefferson Hatchet. 

Jamesina Madison Hatchet. 

Jemima Monroe Hatchet. 

J. Quinciana Hatchet. 

Andrewsia Jackson Hatchet. 

Wilhemina Henrietta Harrison Hatchet. 

Johnsetta Tyler Hatchet. 

Marty Van Buren Hatchet. 

Jinny Keturah Polk Hatchet. 

Zacherina Taylor Hatchet. • 

Milleralla Fillmore Hatchet. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

The Original State Party 

This hostess was very brave, and had just thirteen 
guests at her very unique party, which she gave on Feb- 
ruary 22, When questioned why she had thirteen guests, 
she said, ''One for each original State, don't you see?" 
Boys and girls were told to come wearing the hair jn the 
style of the time of Washington. As they arrived each 
was handed a slip of paper on which were written the 
nicknames of the thirteen first States, which are : 

The Granite State (N. H.), the Bay State (Mass.), the Nut- 
meg State (Conn.), Little Rhody (R. I.), the Empire State (N. 
Y.), the Razor-Back State (N. J.), the Keystone State (Pa.), the 
Blue Hen State (Del.), the Line State (Md.), the Old Dominion 
(Va.), the Tar State (N. C), the Palmetto State (S. C), the 
Cracker State (Ga.). 

This was a good starter, and conversation was lively 
until tea was announced. Here is the menu : 

Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean (Oysters). 
Croquettes de TAmerican Eagle (Chicken). 

Peas. Olives. Biscuit. 
General Greene Salad (Lettuce and Celery), 

Lafayette Dressing (French). 

Revolutionary Cannon Balls (Cheese Balls). 

American Ice. Washington Pie. 

Liberty Cake. 

Old Government Java. 

Fourth of July Crackers. 

Washington's Birthday Game 

Get a carpenter to smooth off a nice pole about four 
feet high, plant it firmly, well braced in a tub, then paint 
in circles the follov^ing colors, more if you want to con- 
jure up more rhymes. Pass to each guest a card with 
these jingles and a nice, sharp little hatchet tied with 
streamers of red, white, and blue. The color one strikes 

30 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

the hatchet in tells one's fate. Of course the victim is 
blindfolded : 

Blue — Your life will be tried and true. 
Red — You will be forced to beg your bread. 
White — Your deeds will always bear the light. 
Green — You're bound to find great wealth, I ween. 
Pink — Good will come where you least think. 

A Washington Centrepiece 

From an azalea bush or a California pepper plant make 
an adorable cherry tree, by attaching candied cherries, 
or the imitation cherries made from almond paste, which 
confectioners have at this season. Then from the tree 
run red ribbons to each place, where they may be attached 
to little cherry log candy boxes. The effect is good, and 
is suitable for a party given for children or adults. 

A Toast for the Twenty-Second 

Here's to the tree and the cherries it bore; 
Here's to the hatchet that smote it full sore; 
Here's to the lad that was honest and true; 
Here's to his colors, the red, white, and blue; 
Here's to his sword with the laurel entwined; 
Here's to the hero in all hearts enshrined ! 

— Arthur Gutter man, 

Washington Children's Party 

Use the American flag for decoration, having it in 
evidence throughout the room ; then, for the table centre- 
piece, on a silk flag for a doily have a large cake with a 
flag on top, the stars made of candied violets, and the 
stripes of red and white frosting. 

For a contest, see if the children can cut out a star 
from folded paper; let them hunt gilt stars hidden 
throughout the room. For prizes the confectioners show 
a bewildering assortment of symbolic candy-boxes, those 

31 



Party Pastimes fer the 

in shape of hatchets, logs, and cocked hats being espe- 
cially attractive. 

This is a fine opportunity for using the "Flags of All 
Nations/' For a few cents one can purchase an envelope 
filled with paper flags representing every country. As 
they are held up, the one knowing where it belongs iden- 
tifies it and is awarded that flag. Then have a tree 
drawn on a sheet, or large bit of paper fastened to the 
wall; hand in turn a bunch of artificial cherries to each 
one, blindfolded, and see who can pin them where cher- 
ries ought to be. All those who get the bunch on a 
branch might receive a handful of candied cherries. 

Serve cherry sherbet, decorated with candied cherries ; 
the cakes ornamented in the same way, with wee hatchets 
for name cards. 

For Longfellow's Birthday 

On February 27 conies the natal day of one of our 
beloved American poets. Longfellow holds his own in 
the hearts of all loyal Americans ; and this aflfair, planned 
for the school children by an up-to-date teacher, was 
charming. It was given at the home of one of the pupils : 

There was a platform at the end of the big living-room, 
where the children gave tableaux, all taken from Long- 
fellow's works. The invitations were sent on Long- 
fellow post cards, and the decorations were Indian 
trophies, blankets, etc., borrowed from a retired army 
officer and used as a setting to the series of pictures ar- 
ranged from ''Hiawatha.'' There were refreshments of 
weak tea, because, as a small lad said, ''Boston was the 
place of the famous tea party and Longfellow lived in 
Boston''; and then baked-bean sandwiches, because 
"everyone who lived in Boston was supposed to know 
'beans' " ; olives and ice cream and cake complete the 
list. I am sure nothing would please the one who wrote 

32 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

"The Children's Hour'' more than to know with what 
keen interest his birthday is celebrated by the American 
children of to-day. One of the show places of Boston, 
or, more properly speaking, Cambridge, is the famous 
house on Brattle street where the poet lived and died. 

Keeping it as he used it is a joy, for it makes every- 
thing seem so very real to those who are so fortunate 
to be there on the half-day a week that the rooms are 
open to the public. 

Excellent prints may be obtained and used as souvenirs 
both of the poet and his home. 



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Party Pastimes for the 



CHAPTER III -PASTIMES FOR MARCH 

A March Supper Party 

THIS was arranged for an after-theatre spread and 
the hostess kept in mind the ''Mad March Hare" 
idea, as the table centrepiece was a big brown 
bunny surrounded by a circle of little brown bunnies. 
There were funny little rabbits holding wee Japanese 
turned-inside-out parasols (doll size) at each plate, and the 
bonbon boxes were carrots and Easter eggs. The piece 
de resistance was, of course, Welsh rabbit made in the 
chafing dish and chicken salad served in nests, lettuce 
hearts garnished with tgg rings. 

If Easter comes in March, the supper would be suit- 
able for the week following Easter, while the favor 
counter is still supplied with rabbits and eggs of all 
descriptions. This charming verse might be written on 
the place cards with water-color blue-birds flying over 
them: 

In March the earliest bluebird came 
And carolled from the orchard tree 
His little tremulous songs to me, 
And called upon the summer's name, 
And made old summers in my heart 
All sweet with flower and sun again. 

— William Dean Howells. . 

A Violet Luncheon 

Violets are the flower for the month of March, so 
here is an opportunity for the hostess to give a violet 
luncheon. For the centrepiece have violets in a low jar 
with a corsage bouquet tied with violet gauze ribbon at 

34 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

each place. Candle shades of lavender with silver 
tracery are very eflfective. 

Serve caviar on toast, grape fruit with cherries, bouil- 
lon, baked oysters in ramekins, breast of chicken cutlets, 
peas, potato croquettes, hot rolls, cucumber salad in cu- 
cumber boats, cheese and raspberry jam; baskets of spun 
sugar in violet tint filled with ice-cream and candied 
violets; coffee and violet-hued bonbons. 

Grape juice may be served with the repast, and if ex- 
pense does not have to be considered, the hostess may 
present each guest with a stick pin in the form of a 
violet. 

A gown of any of the heliotrope shades would be ap- 
propriate for the hostess to wear. 

For Saint Patrick's Day 

It is not necessary to be a descendant of Erin to cele- 
brate the ''seventeenth of Ireland," and many hostesses 
save this date so as to add a bit of novelty to their en- 
tertainment. Here is a copy of an invitation issued by a 
hostess who was always clever in planning for special 
days: 

Miss Elsie Gray 

begs the honor of your riverint prisince 

at a rivilry 

in memory of St. Phadrig 

Saturday avenin', March the Siventeenth 

At 357 Elm street 

Ivry wan is requisted to wear 

a thrifie of grane 

To extinguish himsilf from the ithers 

They were on cardboard of green cut in shape of a 
harp (a shamrock would be equally pretty) and written 
in gilt ink. To decorate a house as they would in Ireland 
there should be large crosses of straw and flowers hung 
over the doors. A blackcock is also a symbol, for on the 

35 



Party Pastime sfor the 

Seventeenth this bird was solemnly sacrificed in memory 
of St. Patrick. 

A novel way of selecting partners for any game the 
hostess may plan, or for refreshments, is to have a grab 
bag covered with green; in it place just half as many 
symbolic favors as there are guests, having the dupli- 
cate tied up in green crepe paper. The men grab and the 
girls are given their favors in the dressing-room. When 
all assemble in the drawing-room the favors are matched. 

A soap bubble contest with clay pipes tied with green 
ribbon is a good stunt, the prize for the most or best 
bubbles blown in a minute to be a cake of green soap or a 
bottle of green-hued toilet water in a bottle tied with a 
huge green bow. By the way, let me tell you how to 
make attractive cheese balls to serve with the salad : Take 
Neufchatel or **Blue Label" cheese and drop a wee bit 
of green vegetable coloring (get at drug store) on it; 
blend well with a few finely chopped pistachio nuts ; form 
into balls the size of large marbles. 

Irish Luncheon Menu 

Gream of Potato Soup, with Powdered Parsley 

Celery Curls (Pigtails) 

Salted Almonds 

Pigs in Blankets (oysters skewered in slices of bacon and broiled) 

Coleslaw 

Croquettes Shaped Like Potatoes, Resting in Beds of Cress 

Stuffed Baked Potatoes (fixed with tiny wooden skewers to 

resemble pigs) * 

Spinach Served in Shamrock Decorated Cases 
Shamrock-shaped Bread and Butter Sandwiches 
Sweet Watermelon Pickle or Spiced Peach Decorated with 

Angelica Shamrocks 

Salad of French Beans, Peas and Pearl Onions in Lettuce Leaf 

Ice Cream in Slices, Decorated with Green Sugar 

Shamrocks 

Or Pistachio Ice Cream 

Small Cakes, Decorated with Harps of Gold Candles 

Coffee Buttermilk 

36 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

For favors have a tiny basket of oxalis at each plate. 
It looks much like real shamrock and most florists have 
it at this season. 

St. Patrick's Day Vegetarian Luncheon Menu 

Spinach Soup 
Green Peppers Stuffed with Bread Crumbs and Tomatoes 

French Peas 

Baked Potatoes in the Half Shells 

Olives Pickles 

Lettuce and Watercress Salad, French Dressing 

Vanilla Ice Cream 

(On each slice put a tiny green paper frog) 

Cakes Cookies Cut Like Shamrocks 

For place cards use tiny pipes with name on stems 

fastened with a bow of green ribbon. The decorations 

for the middle of the table consist of a round mirror 

with tiny frogs on it. Surround the whole with smilax. 

Card Party on St. Patrick's Day 

All the portieres were taken down and replaced by 
ones of cheesecloth of unmistakable green. Scarfs of 
green cheesecloth were carried from windows and doors 
to the central chandelier. The Irish flag predominated 
everywhere. Cards were played, the score cards being 
shamrocks. Refreshments consisted of salad with green 
mayonnaise, olives, brown and white bread sandwiches, 
green ice-cream, white cake, green icing and green bon- 
bons. The fork and spoon for each guest were tied with 
ribbon of emerald hue and the napkin was pinned with 
a woven silk shamrock. The prizes consisted of a green 
glass art vase, a volume of poems bound in green, a 
green pottery jar, a picture framed in green moulding. 
The hostess wore bows of green in her hair. Among the 
decorations were roses and hyacinths colored green by 
the florist. All the electric lights were veiled with green 
crepe paper, and palms stood in every available nook. 

37 



Party Pastimes for the 

To Find Partners at a St. Patrick's Party 

Get at the favor counter or make as many snakes as 
there are to be guests. Tie ribbons, two of a kind, around 
the necks and hide throughout the rooms. Those finding 
snakes beribboned ahke are partners. Another way is to 
make shamrocks, then cut in two, hiding the halves which 
are to be put together. Either of these ways has the ad- 
vantage of mixing the guests up in fine shape so there 
won't be any lack of a good time. St. Patrick's day 
parties are always very informal affairs, oftentimes the 
more impromptu the better. 

For St. Patrick's Day in the " 'Avenin' " 

Issue invitations to a luncheon or supper on cards on 
which the shamrock is painted. If desired, decorate 
rooms with big bunches of clover or oxalis tied with 
green ribbon, and use similar green on dining-room 
table. Place cards may be of any of the quaint con- 
ceits of the day, snakes, Irish lads and lassies, frogs, 
Irish flags. Many can be made by deft and artistic 
fingers. 

After the luncheon or supper let your guests kiss the 
Blarney stone — moss or lichen covered. Provide tiny 
books and let each one write a compliment to the hostess. 
To the most clever give a box of green candied fruit 
tied with ribbon and shamrock for prize. 

A treasured souvenir of the occasion could be made by 
an artistic friend by copying them into a book, illustrat- 
ing the quotations with all the Irish emblems, etc. An 
Irish Jack Horner pie would also add to the amusement 
and be the closing feature of a delightful entertainment. 

Have cream of pea or spinach soup, a roast pig with 
potato in his mouth, necklace of oxalis; peas in pates, 
creamed **Murphys,'' chicken salad, mint julep, frozen 
punch, fancy cakes with green icing, creme de menthe in 

38 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

tiny glasses of crushed ice, topped with a mint cherry, 
the glass on its flat glass plate being surrounded with 
sprays of maidenhair ferns. 

Irish Punch 

One quart strong infusion green tea, one-fourth cup- 
ful apricot brandy, one-half cupful gin, one-half cupful 
sugar. Mix thoroughly and pour over one quart lemon 
sherbet. Turn into a freezer and freeze to the mushy 
stage. Serve in tall glasses and decorate with whipped 
cream tinted green and a small green flag in each. This 
is good served at a dancing party in lieu of the usual 
frappe, or to be passed between games at card parties. 
The flag to be worn in the hair or buttonhole. 

Living Pictures on St. Patrick's Day 

For a club entertainment it is charming to give a 
series of living pictures arranged from the titles of old 
Irish songs. While the picture is being shown, have 
someone concealed to read or sing a verse or two. I give 
a few suggestions ; a book of Irish songs will give many 
more, complete with music and words. 

There's a dear little plant that grows in our isle, 

'Twas Saint Patrick himself sure that set it, 

And the sun on his labor with pleasure did smile, 

And with dew from his eye often wet it. 

It shines thro' the bog, thro' the brake and the mireland, 

And he called it the dear little shamrock of Ireland ; 

The dear little, sweet little, dear little shamrock of Ireland. 



Believe me if all those endearing young charms, 

Which I gaze on so fondly today, 
Were to fade by tomorrow and fleet in my arms. 

Like fairy gifts fading away; 
Thou wouldst still be adored. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

As this moment thou art ; 
Let thy loveliness fade as it will, 

And around the dear ruin each wish of my heart 
Will entwine itself verdantly still. 

Colleen Bawn, Colleen Bawn, 

From childhood I have known; 
Fve seen that beauty in the dawn, 

Which now so bright has grown. 

Young Rory O'Moore courted Kathleen Bawn ; 
He was bold as a hawk, she soft as the dawn ; 
He wished in his heart pretty Kathleen to please. 
And he thought the best way to do that was to tease. 

Och, girls dear, did you ever hear 

I wrote my love a letter, 
And although he cannot read 

I thought 'twas all the better, 
For why should he be puzzled with 

Hard spellin' in the matter. 
When the manin' was so plain 

That I love him faithfully? 

Far renowned for larnin' and piety, 
Still Fd advance ye widout impropriety. 
Father OTlynn as the flower of them all. 
Here's a health to you, Father O'Flynn, 
Slainte and slainte and slainte agin, 
Pow'rfulest preacher and tenderest teacher 
And kindliest creature in ould Donegal. 

When first I saw sweet Peggy, 

'Twas on a market day; 
A low back'd car she drove and sat 

Upon a truss of hay. 

Other songs suitable for picture poses are "The Kerry 
Dance/' "The Fine Old Irish Gentleman,'' "The Exile of 
Erin," "Kitty Tyrell" and "Kitty of Coleraine." In the 
room where refreshments are served try to make it as 

40 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

much as possible like an Irish cottage. There should be 
a perfectly bare floor, an unpainted table, plain wooden 
chairs, heavy white china and as much pewter as may be 
obtained. Have mugs to drink from. Have an old 
woman with a shawl over her head knitting lace, and 
those who serve should have on plain dark gowns of 
calico with white neckerchiefs and aprons, with knitting 
sticking in their belts. 

Toasts and Sentiments for March Seventeenth 

A triple grass 
Shoots up, with dewdrops streaming, 

As softly green 

As emerald seen 
Through purest crystal gleaming. 
Oh, the Shamrock, the green, the immortal Shamrock, 

Chosen leaf 

Of bard and chief. 
Old Erin's native Shamrock ! 

— Thomas Moore. 

H I remember correctly, these toasts or sentiments are 
all by A. R. Harrison: 

It's the little things in life, boys. 

That count for most that's best; 
And by the same small token, 

They leave us most distressed; 
It's the little things that harden. 

The little things that cheer, 
So let us drink, live, laugh and love 

The little while we're here. 

Here's to the toast of all nations, 

And here's to the toast of all toasts; 
Here's to the best in creation, 

And here's to the toast that we roast. 
There's one me heart would be addin', 

A toast of exquisite delight — 
To our guests, who come here to gladden 

And help us make merry to-night. 

41 



Party Pastimes for the 

Come fill 

While you will 
All the bumpers again; 

Send mirth 

While it's worth 
Round the table; 

Let's drink 

While we think 
Of some pleasant refrain 

For to-morrow 

Begorra, 
We may not be able. 

Toast America's golden rod. 

Toast England's rose so rare, 
Toast Scotland's drowny thistle. 

And France's lily fair. 
They all deserve our praises 

And our blessings, too, I ween, 
But give to me this bit of grass 

From that little Isle so green. 

Oh Paddy dear! 

You're surely here; 
Your colors gay adorning; 

Heart gay and light 

As Banshee bright; 
To you — the top of the morning ! 



Here's to the blarney that never was meant 

To wound, malign or assail you; 
Here's to the chaff like sweet balm it is sent 

To cheer when sorrows bewail you; 
Here's to that blarney beneath a kind heart 

That ever stands ready and glad 
To help a weak brother take on a new start 

When his soul feels lonely and sad. 

Here's to you, my Irish lasses! 

To your loyal hearts so true; 
May you often cause our glasses 

To be tipped in praise of you. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

St. Patrick was a temperance lad, 

Who hailed from Dublin town; 
By chasing snakes from Ireland 

This good saint did win renown. 
But faith, 'tis different nowadays 

Here 'neath the stripes and stars. 
The man caught chasing snakes, begor, 

Will land behind the bars. 



Mothering Sunday 

Lent brings a day that I wish every one would cele- 
brate, regardless of creed or sex. It is the fourth Sun- 
day, known as ''Mothering" Sunday by all those who 
remember old customs and are strict Churchmen. Per- 
haps I should not say that either, for the modern church 
calendars name this only as mid-Lent; but in days gone 
by in England this day was especially set apart to do 
honor to one's mother. It was a feast to her, conducted 
and celebrated by her children, those who were married 
including their husbands and wives, but there were no 
other guests. There was a sumptuous dinner, with 
special dishes known to be among mother's favorites; 
there were gifts ; family matters were discussed with all 
possible freedom. Those who could not be present sent 
letters to be read; in fact, it was a dear, old-fashioned 
family gathering. The head of the house was not for- 
gotten, but made the recipient of a bottle of rare wine, 
or some special delicacy. 

Back as far as the days of Queen Bess this day was 
celebrated, as the records show" a recipe for Simnel 
cakes, which were always served at mothering-Sunday 
feasts. They resembled rich fruit cakes, with nuts in 
the icing, which was made yellow with saffron. 

Now we can all plan individually the best way for us 
to observe this day. Every one of us can send a special 

43 



Party Pastimes for the 

letter, if unable to be with the dear mother. Most of 
us know some special thing that would be luxury; and 
I, for one, want to make this suggestion : that next year 
we have a special little box set aside for Mothering 
Sunday, for I know of no greater pleasure or joy than 
honoring the dear soul whom we call mother. If we are 
so unfortunate as to be without a very own mother, let us 
make a feast for some one's mother. If I dared men- 
tion names (and most of you would recognize it if I 
did) I would like to tell you of a girl who is quietly 
making a Mothering Sunday out of every Lord's day by 
cheerfully taking her busy little self to an institution 
known as the Old Ladies' Home, and she gives them a 
royal good time, such as women sorely miss who are 
without a home circle of their very own. 

Eggs for Lent 

It is much in favor this season to serve a poached 
egg on a crisp round of toast at afternoon teas. Along 
with many other ideas, we have borrowed this from 
our English cousins. 

A chafing dish or alcohol burner may be used by the 
hostess in the drawing room, or the eggs may be served 
by the maid from the kitchen. Of course, each one 
must be individually prepared, and the toast be very 
hot and well buttered. A bit of watercress or parsley 
makes a dainty garnish, and some people like an olive 
or a salted nut on the plate as a relish. 

Lenten Sevs^ing and Luncheon Club 

Eight young matrons formed themselves into what 
they were pleased to call the *Trugal Luncheon Club." 
They met during Lent to sew for a children's hospital. 
They began at eleven and stopped at five o'clock. The 
hostess furnished a three-course luncheon, the menu 

44 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

itemized to the smallest detail. The one who served the 
cheapest luncheon was the guest of the other seven at 
some sort of a function given during Easter week. 

Each member also brought all the pennies that she had 
obtained during the week, and they were dropped into 
a quaint little bank which was opened on Good Friday, 
the contents going toward an Easter treat for the little 
inmates of the hospital. 

For Lenten Pastimes 

In so-called ''society" social functions assume a simpler 
character during Lent; many overworked matrons who 
live in a grand whirl of dinners, balls, and teas form 
circles to sew for the poor, and really a surprising quan- 
tity of work is turned out for the benefit of charities and 
friendly aid all over the country. 

A coterie of young matrons formed themselves into 
what they called the '*Doll Brigade," they were each 
pledged to dress five dolls during Lent with clothes that 
would come oflf. 

Then an interested set of young men promised to 
provide each doll with a trunk and on the next Christ- 
mas these self-same dollies went to a certain ward in 
a large city hospital that bears the placard *Tncurable." 

Perhaps we all do not keep Lent, but surely any season 
of the year that causes this sometimes apparently selfish 
world to stop and think how best to help others is a good 
thing. 

A Lenten Idea 

A LADIES^ aid society has evolved the following scheme 
for us during Lent. Annually it has been the custom 
for many years to hold a bazar during Easter week. The 
soliciting of articles heretofore has been a rather for- 
midable task. This year a basket in hamper form will 

45 



Party Pastimes for the 

make the rounds of hotels and boarding houses, besides 
going to the homes of the society members. There is 
a large card attached, with words to the effect that any 
article suitable for the Easter sale may be placed therein. 
The basket remains a day, two days or a week, according 
to the number of people in the house. Then it is called 
for and the contents given to the general chairman to 
be cared for until the various committees sort the articles 
for the respective booths. In this way many things are 
secured from the ^'stranger within the gates"; for many 
towns, at this season, are full of tourists. 

Rest Cure Party 

This Lenten party, given from three to six for eight 
girls, proved such a success that I am sure there will 
be many more. It certainly was an innovation and came 
about by one of the girls saying she was so tired out, so 
weary of formal function, so bored by being a debutante 
that she wished for something different. The something 
different came in the form of a wee note which said: 
''Come to My Rest Cure Party." There was not an 
absent guest, I assure you. They found the great 
drawing-room with shades nearly drawn, a log fire, 
couches with piles of pillows and afghans. When all 
had arrived the hostess said no one was to talk until 
moved to do so, then only in the lowest voice. Quite 
mystified, the girls found places and a maid noiselessly 
passed piping hot bouillon and crisp wafers; then from 
the next room a low sweet voice to a guitar accompani- 
ment sang a series of lullabies; then the same voice read 
several delightful stories in a low, distinct tone. The 
person was concealed by a screen. Then there was simply 
nothing doing for tifteen minutes, each girl being told 
to close her eyes and tell at the end of that time her 

46 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

vision. This took another half hour, when a tray of 
fragrant tea and deHcious sandwiches were served with 
candied ginger. After that, having sufficiently rested, 
tongues buzzed at a merry rate and the girls pronounced 
it a fine party. 

Card Party Refreshments 

In Lent cards are not put away except by some espe- 
cially devout penitent who is a devotee and wishes to 
make a real sacrifice. In fact, during this season card 
parties are the means of raising large sums of money for 
charity and Easter offerings, inasmuch as many bridge 
and euchre clubs deny themselves the prizes and vote 
the money to church and pet charities. The suggestions 
given are not difficult to carry out. There should always 
be a sweet and substantial course if served at a morn- 
ing party, as these refreshments often take the place of 
a luncheon. The hours are from ten to twelve. These 
morning affairs are much in vogue in the South, many 
of the parties being held on the broad porches. The 
guests wear wash frocks and look very attractive flitting 
about with gay sunshades. 

For the first course have creamed oysters or lobster, 
with sandwiches of brown bread, filled with creamed 
cheese and chopped olives; stuffed eggs, with mayon- 
naise dressing and thin bits of breast of chicken laid 
on top ; hot biscuits, scalloped crab-meat in ramekins, 
small Parker house rolls, grape fruit salad with white 
grapes. For sweets, try orange jelly in orange shells, 
capped with whipped cream; a fruit mixture chilled, 
served in tall glasses, with a spoonful of lemon ice on 
top ; individual chocolate gelatines, with whipped cream. 
A vegetable salad in fancy cases with tiny tarts of lemon 
or vanilla cream capped with a thick meringue is another 
good combination. Coffee demitasse is usually served 

47 



Party Pastimes for the 

last. It is an acceptable custom to serve an iced drink 
during the game. 

"Mad March Hare" Party 

With "Alice in Wonderland'' in mind, a hostess 
planned this party, founding it on the ''Hatter and the 
Dorrriouse,'' ''who were forever drinking tea/' This 
tempestuous month is the time to give this clever party. 

It was a luncheon and a dozen guests were bidden. 
When they entered the dining-room the windows were 
open, the curtains flying about, chairs were overturned, 
pictures were awry and apparently "chaos" was the only 
word to describe the scene. On the table there was a 
large brown rabbit standing on his haunches, one ear 
turned back and wisps of straw clinging to his fur. In 
the very centre of the table was a large straw hat, the 
"Hatter,'' evidently; it was filled with a lot of spring 
blossoms and vines placed, as artists say, "with studied 
carelessness." A little chocolate mouse peeping out of 
the hat represented the "Dormouse." There were silver, 
china, tumblers, dishes of olives and bonbons on the 
table, and order was soon restored. Just as every one 
thought there was nothing more "mad" about the aflfair 
the hostess said : "Please change places with your right- 
hand neighbor." Then she gave each one a yellow pad 
to which there was a pencil attached, and asked that a 
drawing be made of a March street scene. Only four 
strokes were to be made. Then at the next course, when 
seats were changed again, four more strokes were to 
be made by the guest who took the place. When the 
dessert was served each guest kept the pad and finished 
the sketch and signed her name. Then these "mad" 
productions were pinned up on the wall for inspection. A 
copy of "Alice in Wonderland" was given to the one 
whose picture received the most votes. 

48 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

A Chafing Dish Party 

The well-known lines from Bryant's poem called 
"March'' headed the invitation which bade eight chosen 
friends to a revel conducted by 'The Mad March Hares." 

The stormy March is come at last, 
With winds, and clouds and changing skies ; 

I hear the rushing of the blast 
That through the snowy valley flies. 

It was a cheery sight indeed to see the attractive table, 
with eight saucy brown hares made by the fingers of the 
clever hostess from cardboard, one standing erect at each 
place. Appropriate, too, was the color scheme of brown 
and green with jonquils. 

At the ends of the table were chafing dishes presided 
over by the hostess and her sister. First in bouillon cups 
rabbit broth was served, then ''little pigs in blankets," 
which were plump oysters sauted in thin strips of bacon ; 
corn muffins appeared at just the right moment from the 
kitchen and the piece de resistance was Welsh rabbit. 
Coffee was served with cheese and toasted crackers. 
There was no sweet course; olives and salted nuts, with 
crisp morsels of celery, were on the table. 

For luck there were rabbit feet, every one warranted 
to be the left hind foot of a Jack rabbit caught on the 
thirteenth day, in the dark of the moon. 

Every one had a glorious time, and the saying, "Mad 
as a March hare," was a misnomer on this occasion. 



49 



Party Pastimes for the 



CHAPTER IV —PASTIMES FOR APRIL 

An April-First Feast 

Hot Chocolate. 
Stuffed Eggs. Baked Potatoes. 

Pudding. Cup Cakes. 

Bouchees of Jelly and Cream. 

Bonbons. Lady Fingers. 

Boiled Eggs. Sandwiches. Meat and Vegetables. 

Bouillon. 

THE menu cards were clever conceits of red card- 
board decorated with a saucy court jester done in 
red, gold, and black. Each guest was supplied 
with a red and white fool's cap of crepe paper on enter- 
ing the dining-room. This repast was not difficult to 
serve and created lots of fun. 

"Hot chocolate'' was chicken bouillon tinted brown 
with a bit of vegetable coloring procured at the drug 
store. It was brought on in chocolate cups topped with 
a spoonful of whipped cream. The "stuffed eggs" were 
egg-shaped croquettes of sweetbreads and potatoes, 
cooked to a delicate golden brown, almost yellow. A 
delicious entree of mushrooms came on in the disguise 
of baked potato shells, the halves neatly joined by tooth- 
picks. 

A silver pudding dish was next brought in covered 
with a meringue on top, accompanied by a silver cake 
basket in which were cup cakes. The pudding was a 
hot veal loaf and the meringue was salted and seasoned 
with onion juice and celery salt. Cup cakes were biscuits 
baked in patty pans, the centres scooped out and filled 

SO 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

with asparagus tips, the tops being fitted on and all 
browned in the oven just before serving. 

For the salad there was tomato jelly moulded in small 
cups, a dab of mayonnaise placed on it, and on top of it 
a bit of whipped cream. Dainty wafers were passed, 
which had been baked in lady finger pans; they were 
buttered, put together and heated. The bonbons were 
squares of cheese wrapped in silver and gilt paper taken 
from chocolate bonbons. 

The ''boiled eggs" proved to be most delectable ices 
egg-shaped and eaten from egg cups. Sandwiches were 
made of white cake spread with various fruit fillings 
and cut in shape with cooky cutters. From a candy- 
shop the hostess obtained the place favors, which were 
little plates of egg cups. The bonbons were made of 
almond paste, and after-dinner cofifee was in bouillon 
cups with sugar in the salt cellars. 

An April Fool Party 

The first day of April oflFers an opportunity for the 
up-to-date hostess to provide something out of the ordi- 
nary for the entertainment of her guests. It is need- 
less to say that such an evening will be full of surprises. 
Decorate the invitations with a water-color or pen-and- 
ink sketch of a court jester, and request each guest to 
relate the most "fool" thing he ever did or heard of. 
When the guests arrive have the house all dark, cur- 
tains drawn, and very little light visible when the door 
is opened. Instruct the maid to say: "Not at home." 
This, however, is only for a moment, when she changes 
her mind and asks the astonished guests in. 

Offer a prize for the best "fool" story. When awarded, 
the box or package will contain nothing, but the real 
prize will be found elsewhere later on, in the napkin at 
the table, for instance. The one who declines to tell 

SI 



Party Pastimes for the 

any story, or the worst one, gets his prize at once. To 
choose partners for supper, take ribbons three-quarters 
of an inch long and shut between the folding doors, 
the men on one side, girls on the other. Each holds a 
ribbon, and when the door is opened the ones holding the 
same ribbon are partners. 

The menu is devilled crabs, baked potatoes, asparagus, 
tomato salad, ice cream, coffee and cake. For the ''bouil- 
lon" have creamed celery in old-fashioned soup plates. 
*'Baked potatoes" may be mashed turnips, carrots, and 
peas in baked potato shells, covered with grated cheese 
and browned in the oven. These are delicious. For the 
^'asparagus" have large macaroni laid on toast, with 
cream sauce. 'Tomato salad" may be a mixture of 
blood orange, celery and nuts served in cucumber boats. 
The ''ice cream" may be old-fashioned custard frozen. 
Puff pastry filled with mince meat will be the ''cake," 
and will delight the men. "Coffee" may be one of the 
cereal preparations, but the real thing should be pro- 
vided for those who wish it. Pass cigars and cigarettes 
of chocolate. Tiny wands wound with ribbon, the end 
of each one bearing a bell, make charming souvenirs; 
and place cards can be cut in shape of a dunce or fool's 
cap. 

An April-First Party 

A YOUNG girl having a birthday on the first of April 
devised and carried out this pretty party in a most suc- 
cessful manner. The invitations were issued on fools- 
cap paper, asking each girl to come dressed as a "fool," 
the costumes to be made of cotton material and crepe 
paper, so the expense would not be great, but just as 
much fun. Red and green, the jester's colors, were car- 
ried out in every detail as far as possible. On the red 
candle shades funny little donkey heads were outlined 

52 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

in green. The ices were served in the dearest little green 
paper cabbage heads and the fruits proved to be excel- 
lent imitations in the real fruit shapes and colors, only 
they were candy boxes, and the supposed chocolate eclairs 
were filled with creamed chicken. A delicious cream 
sauce was passed to put over them. There were all 
sorts of amusing games, such as marbles for the girls 
and a doll dressing contest for the boys, a whistling 
contest for the girls and a sewing contest for the boys, 
all having simple prizes for the best. There were clowns 
and jesters. The children said "it was the best party 
ever" and so the mother who planned the affair was 
amply repaid for her trouble. Here is a list of names 
of real clowns and jesters who once existed: Archie 
Armstrong, the famous jester of King James I; Chicot, 
the jester whom Dumas has immortalized in his novels; 
Triboulet and Brusquet, jester of King Francis I of 
France; John Heywood, the jester of Henry VIII; Scro- 
gan, the jester of King Edward IV; Patrick Bonny, who 
attended Regent Morton of Scotland. Other characters 
in fiction are the ''Green Son" of the Vicar of Wake- 
field, called Moses; the ''Mad Hatter," from "Alice in 
Wonderland"; the "Three Wise Men of Gotham," 
"Don Quixote," "Sancho Panza," "Simple Simon," etc. 

Hot Cross Buns 

Hot cross buns to serve on Good Friday are found in 
all Roman Catholic countries and in most Protestant ones. 
We all know from our knowledge of Mother Goose the 
old nursery rhyme of: 

Hot cross buns! Hot cross buns! 
One a penny; two a penny! 
Hot cross buns ! 

It IS still a cry to be heard in London on the streets 
during Good Friday. 

S3 



Party Pastimes for the 

While most bakeshops make and take orders for these 
rolls, perhaps many readers will be grateful for this 
rule, as I was: 

One quart of sifted flour, three cups of sweet milk, 
one cake of compressed yeast dissolved in a cup of luke- 
warm water. Beat into batter and let rise in a warm cor- 
ner for six or eight hours, when it should be double in 
bulk. Beat hard, adding four large tablespoons of melted 
butter, a generous pinch of nutmeg (grated) and a small 
spoonful of salt. Take one cup of flour sifted three 
times, with an even teaspoonful of soda. Add and knead 
for ten minutes. The dough should be just soft enough 
to handle. Let it rise again to double its bulk, which 
should be in four or five hours. Turn out on the board, 
roll to a half -inch in thickness, cut with large biscuit 
cutter, place in pans for last rising; when high and light 
cut a deep cross in centre with a sharp knife. Bake cov- 
ered for twenty minutes, then brown. While hot brush 
with beaten white of Ggg and powdered sugar. Eat 
while warm. 

Easter Legends 

The legend of the Easter rabbit is one of the most 
ancient in mythological lore and is closely related to the 
folk tales of southern Germany. 

In the beginning of things, it seems, the rabbit was a 
bird. As a great favor the goddess Eastre, who was the 
patron of spring, gave it four legs, for which the rabbit 
was deeply grateful. In remembrance of its former 
life as a bird, when the spring or Easter season comes, 
it lays eggs of gorgeous colors ; and the egg has always 
been a symbol of the resurrection, and therefore used at 
Easter time, when we look for the life everlasting and 
all things made new. 

It is a German custom for children to go to their god- 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

mothers at Easter for the gift of colored eggs and a 
baked rabbit. Just before Easter the children are sent 
to the garden to build a nest for the expected rabbit, 
and early Easter morning they go with great expecta- 
tions, and are never disappointed, to get the eggs which 
the rabbit has laid for them. Even in Africa, among 
the heathen tribes, worship of the egg is common. No 
altar is complete without its egg decoration, and most 
huts have at least one sacred tgg. On all the eggs 
devoted to the rites worship a verse from the Koran 
is written at each end, while the sides are ornamented 
with scenes from the Nile. 

A rare specimen of these eggs is to be seen in the 
Detroit Museum of Art. The etchings on the shell 
follow closely the same general design as the paintings of 
men and women that were recently found in Cairo. 



In Easter Land 

Dawn— it is in the Easter land! 

Far have our caravans come, and we 
Here at the edge of the desert stand, 

Looking away to the joys to be, 
Aye, it is dawn, and we've journeyed far 
Led by the glow of the Easter star. 

Who at the gates of the Easter land 
Bid us good morning, and lead us in? 

Children, a world of them, hand in hand, 
Palms and processions of lily kin. 

Enter! Oh, sad was the march, and long — 

Join in the triumphs of Easter song. 

All is forgotten on Easter day — 

Shadows and fears of the wintry path. 

Here at the end of a troubled way 

Fragrant the welcomes the Easter hath, 

This is the haven the pilgrims scanned, 

Dawn — it is dawn in the Easter land. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

The Celebration of Easter 

The celebration of Easter is almost as universal as 
Christmas, and how children love it! All the symbols 
are so beautiful ; and even the smallest child may be 
taught the wonderful significance of the resurrection 
as it comes to us with every return of spring. 

There are many charming devices for entertainment to 
be given during Easter week, but the time-honored egg 
hunt is best loved by boys and girls. Let me tell of this 
original way of varying the hunt: Have all kinds of 
eggs, of candy, china, favor eggs, and the real fruit of 
the hen, gilded, silvered and colored. Then make a big 
score card and put up where it may easily be consulted. 
Place a value on the different eggs, a gold one to count 
twenty; silver, ten; blue ones, five; candy ones, four; 
the very smallest, one, etc. Then for very special prize 
favor eggs fifty will be the score. Give the guests 
baskets or silk bags for the spoils and have plenty of 
assistants to help the children add up their eggs cor- 
rectly, each one to keep what he or she finds; and, 
besides, have rewards for the best scores. This will add 
zest to the hunt and take fully an hour. If the weather 
is fine some of the eggs might be hidden outdoors. The 
centrepiece for this party may be a huge egg in a nest 
of tinsel and imitation grass ; on cracking the egg it will 
be found to contain an egg or Easter favor for each 
guest. 

A sport almost as old as Easter itself is what is called 
a '*faire bee" or 'egg fight.'' In olden times this fight 
took place on Easter Sunday before service. The largest 
clear space in the village was chosen and the lads 
assembled from far and near. The game consisted in 
striking an egg first ''point to point'' with an opponent, 
then "butt to butt.'' The clever boy tried to select a very 
tough shell egg that would knock the other player's 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

all to bits. If the egg was not broken point to point, 
the next play was butt to butt. The victorious egg was 
called the **cock." Sometimes the ''cock'' would stand 
the strain of several successful attacks, and then would 
be called ''the cock'' of "three" or "four." In the inter- 
val between the lengthy services "faire bee" was resumed. 
English history tells us that back in the time of Edward 
I. the custom of rolling eggs on Easter Monday prevailed. 
I wonder how many know that the observance of Easter 
dates back to the year 68. In 1752 the rule was adopted 
that makes Easter Sunday fall on the first Sunday after 
the full moon which happens on or next after March 
21. If the full moon happens on Sunday, Easter is the 
next Sunday after. 

Hoop Race for Easter 

A MOTHER of three dear children entertained at an all 
day Easter Monday party, the guests being seven of the 
neighborhood children. The invitations were written 
on egg-shaped cards sealed with a violet paster, or the 
dearest Easter chick just coming out of the shell may 
be found among the seals or pasters, as the children call 
them. The ages of the guests ranged from five to eight 
years. A third floor chamber is known as the children's 
room, and it was prettily decorated with flowers and 
branches of budding fruit trees which had been placed 
in water for several days ; there was a mass of blossoms 
on them by Easter. Ten little hoops were prepared 
thus, for one of the games, each one was wound smoothly 
with a colored tape. The boy who could roll his hoop 
twice around the room without letting it turn over was 
awarded a bag of marbles, and the little girl who accom- 
plished the same feat had a dear little doll baby dressed 
all in white. A substantial luncheon was served at 
noon with just the prettiest table imaginable, all glorious 

57 



Party Pastimes for the 

jonquils, bunnies, and fluffy yellow chicks. A music box 
played during the repast. After luncheon the children 
decorated eggs to take home; and then the last game 
was best of all. On a white cloth was pasted the head 
of a beautiful child; the children were blindfolded and 
told to pin a paper flower on the head of the child. A 
prize was given for the one who best placed the flower. 

Easter Hat Sale 

A CLEVER hostess evolved this unique affair given on 
Easter Monday. There were twenty-four guests, and 
the invitations read something like this: 

''You are bidden to a sale of headgear at the resi- 
dence of Mr. and Mrs. Blank on the eve of Easter 
Monday. Please send or bring a hat, bonnet, cap or any 
form of head covering, either trimmed or untrimmed. 
This will be the great opportunity of a lifetime to ob- 
tain an original headpiece." 

And such a variety of parcels, bandboxes, bags and 
parcels as we found when all had assembled in the 
spacious living-room! The host, a jolly, quick-witted 
man, acted in the capacity of auctioneer. The guests 
were provided with tiny candy Easter eggs in little 
silken bags to use for money, and the bidding waxed 
fast and furious. Those who drew untrimmed hats had 
to trim them, making their selections from a table piled 
high with a conglomeration of feathers, flowers, ribbons 
and velvets. The hats were something wonderful to 
behold — Quaker bonnets, sunbonnets, baby bonnets, old 
Derbys, straw sailors, discarded mushrooms, silken hats 
of vintage of 1873, and a lot of queer shapes and styles, 
so curious that we all exclaimed: ''Did we ever wear 
such things?*' The ice cream was moulded in the shape 
of hats and the strawberries were served in cunning 
baskets fashioned from dolls' straw hats. This was such 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

a merry, informal affair that I am sure many of the 
department readers will enjoy giving just such a party. 
Be sure to ask thoroughly congenial people, who will 
enter into the spirit of the thing and respond heartily. 
A prize might be offered for the most artistically trimmed 
hat, choosing for the reward one of the many Easter 
novelties. Charming hats of crepe paper could be made 
for souvenirs, distributed to all just before refreshments 
are served. 

Easter Sandwiches 

Try these for sandwiches during Easter week: Use 
thin slices of either white or whole wheat bread ; butter 
and spread with this filling — two hard-boiled eggs, 
one-eighth of a teaspoonful of salt, one teaspoonful of 
paprika. Mash the egg yolks smooth, mix in the salt, 
paprika and butter. Spread the bread with butter, then 
with the yolk mixture, then with the egg whites chopped 
fine. Stamp out with an oval cutter. On each one stand 
a wee yellow chick, the kind that comes about a cent 
apiece or even less. Make a circle of cress or parsley 
around a plate and pile the sandwiches in the middle. 

Easter Egg Hunt 

No Easter-tide is complete for the children without 
an tgg hunt. If the weather permits this should be out 
of doors. Hide eggs of all sizes and colors, hard-boiled, 
and candy ones, in every conceivable place. If the party 
is a large one there should be four prizes, one to the 
child getting the golden tgg (gilded), one for finding 
the silver egg, one for finding the most and one for the 
child who finds the egg marked ''third prize." The 
prizes should be some of the many Easter novelties, or 
candy boxes filled with candy eggs. A pot of jon- 
quils or hyacinths is a suitable prize if the winner is 

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Party Pastimes for the 

about eight or ten years old. Serve ice cream, rabbit- 
shaped cookies and bonbons. There is a very old game 
called ''egg pick'' that the children should play after the 
hunt. Use only hard-boiled eggs. A child who strikes 
out with his egg at one held by another child and whose 
egg breaks or cracks first wins the other egg. If there 
is a hill conveniently placed, or even a slight slant to the 
ground, there may be an egg-rolling on a small scale 
such as the children had in Washington at the White 
House for many years. 

The Butterfly Motive 

A PRETTY and symbolic conceit is to use butterfly candle 
shades and place cards for an affair given in Easter 
week. These may be home made or purchased. A 
*'shower" of butterflies over the table is lovely. They 
may be made of white paper touched with gilt if the 
white and gold scheme is to be carried out. 

An Easter Lily Table 

A LOVELY lily table arranged for an Easter bride's fare- 
well luncheon was done in this way; the stalks of lilies 
were placed so that the stems all went toward the center, 
making a lovely circle of white blossoms quite far 
around the table. Right in the very center of the table 
was a mound of the same lilies made rather low, so 
that the decorations did not interfere with the guests 
seeing one another. The candles of white in silver 
holders with white silk shades over delicate green com- 
pleted a lovely scheme. The place cards represented a 
bride and bridegroom, she with her bouquet of Easter 
lilies; the nut-holders were daintily shaped boxes made 
exactly like real hats, the colors being green and white. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 



For an Easter Table 

From wire make a half an egg in shape (or get a 
florist to do it), cover with ferns and moss and stud with 
small flowers. Fill it with small bouquets, violets would 
be lovely; to each bouquet attach a ribbon and run to 
the place plate where it may be tied to a card bearing the 
name of the guest. As yellow and white are the Easter 
colors, this scheme would be effective carried out with 
yellow ribbons, jonquils and white cards. At a party for 
children buy a large egg that divides in the middle, fill 
with tiny, fluffy yellow chickens ; suspend over the table or 
in a doorway, when the ribbons that tie the egg together 
are pulled the chicks will fall in a golden shower one 
for each little guest. 

A Motto for Easter 

If you and I-r-just you and I — 

Should laugh instead of worry; 
If we should grow — just you and I— 

Kinder and sweeter hearted, 
Perhaps in some near by and by 

A good time m^'^ht get started; 
Then what a happy world 'twould be 
For you and me— for you and me. 

Announcing an Easter Engagement 

An engagement announced on Easter Monday was 
done in this way : In the centre of the table was a mound 
of velvety green moss on which a rustic brown basket 
stood filled with eight large goose eggs ; over all was a 
network of jonquils and narcissi. Each egg bore the 
name of a guest and within lay concealed the bride-elect's 
gift to her would-be maids, exquisite veil pins, each with 
a cleverly worded note asking them to act in the capacity 
of maids and matrons. 

6i 



Party Pastimes for the 

An Egg Social 

Some one has said that ''the pomps and vanities of 
this wicked world receive a terrific drubbing during 
Lent, but, with Easter day their recovery is quick and 
certain/' Be this as it may, an egg social is a fine scheme 
for the week after Easter. 

Write the following invitations on egg-shaped cards, 
varying the wording to suit the occasion: ''An eggs- 
ellent plan has been adopted by (name of society) to 
eggs-haust the eggs-pense of (whatever object the social 
is given for). We shall hold an egg social on (whatever 
date it is to be given on), to which the eggs-pense of 
admission is eggs-actly lo cents. We shall have an eggs- 
ellent time. Please eggs-ert yourself to come and 
eggs-amine the novelties prepared. No one will be eggs- 
cused. You may eggs-pect much joy at small eggs-pense. 
An eggs-ellent committee will wait upon you and eggs 
will be served. Make your eggs-it at your pleasure." 
Have rosettes of yellow and white ribbon for those who 
serve on the reception committee and use the same colors 
in decorating the room. Serve egg sandwiches, cold veal 
loaf garnished with rings of hard-boiled eggs, baked 
cup custards, candy eggs and egg-shaped cookies. 

An Easter Tree 

This novel device was thought of by a mother whose 
children were continually demanding something new. 
There was a merry little Easter party. Suddenly the 
doors were opened into the dining-room, disclosing a tree 
on the centre of the table with a pert bunny on the top. 
Then all over the branches were chickens, ducks and 
bunnies, both brown and cotton-tails. There was a nest 
of eggs at each plate and in the egg hunt which preceded 
the feast the prizes were "Peter Rabbit'' and "Mr. Ben- 
jamin Bunny.'* The name cards were charming Easter 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

postals with the child's name on the address side. The 
children were perfectly delighted with this party, and 
the mother kept the tree a surprise even from her own 
children. 

For "Primrose" Day 

The nineteenth of April is Primrose Day. It does not 
mean as much to us as to our English cousins, who 
loyally wear a primrose on that day in remembrance of 
Disraeli (Lord Beaconsfield), who died on that date. 

For a dinner or luncheon planned for the nineteenth 
it is a suggestion to use everywhere — centrepiece and 
room decorations — these charming flowers which come 
in all colors and are very plentiful as well as cheap at 
the florists'. A potted primrose of the double variety 
would make an acceptable prize at bridge or any other 
game at which the hostess wishes to give a reward of 
merit. 

For favors the little jardinieres of porcelain, which 
I think are imported from Paris, would be lovely, each 
containing a wee primrose plant; the place card could 
be tied to the handle. I am sure these ideas may be 
easily adapted to any functions on this date. They give 
the requisite touch of something ''different,'' which seems 
to be so necessary to the peace of our up-to-date hostesses. 

An English Tea 

The twenty-third of April is St. George's Day and a 
loyal Englishwoman is going to use the occasion to give 
an afternoon tea for which she has sent cards to all on her 
calling list. A touch of novelty will be the playing and 
singing of English ballads and ''God Save the King" 
will be played more than once by the stringed instru- 
ments, which are to be concealed from the guests by a 
screen of English flags and palms. Mingled with the 

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Party Pastimes for the 

stars and stripes will be the British union jack and the 
Cross of St. George, and everywhere there are to be 
roses of all hues. This season's debutantes will take 
turns at the table, where tea will be poured and piping 
hot English muffins, made small, will be passed with 
orange marmalade. There will be tiny sandwiches and 
preserved ginger. 

For Shakespeare's Birthday 

The twenty-third is the date celebrated as the great 
"Bard of Avon's" natal day, although some authorities 
contend that he was born on the twenty-sixth. History 
says that purple and gold were his favorite colors. For 
a touch of novelty this combination could be used with 
quotations from his writings on the place cards. Prizes 
could be some of the many beautiful small books that 
are made out of his plays or pertaining to him. A charm- 
ing book is called *The Lovers' Shakespeare," bound in 
red. It is just the right size to pick up in an idle moment. 

Shakespeare Riddles 
My first is a good meat, with eggs a good dish ; 
My second's allow, or permit, if you wish. — Hamlet. 
My first is so modest and bashful, withal; 
My second's a tuft of your hair, that is all. — Shylock. 

My first is the city of Italy's pride ; 

My second's a vowel, which you mustn't elide. — Romeo. 

My first's a girl's name — to your wits put a file ; 

My second and third describe her the while. 

If she is well bred, understand and has style. — ^Antony. 

A name of one syllable here you will see, 

A villainous smile, devoid of all glee. — Lear. 

My first you take as a witness before heaven; 

My second some take when an inch they are given; 

My third is a vowel, just one in seven. — Othello. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

It is said that George Washington, even in fun, 
Never told at all, in his life, my one; 
My two you will find by the sea, I am sure; 
My third you will do, be your life e'er so pure. — 
Lysander. 

My first is the name of metals combined 

With some other substance, just as they are mined; 

My second's the name on that part of the world 

Which rose solid and firm when in space it was hurled; 

My third is a vowel, which endeth this. 

And I am very sure you'll none of it miss. — Orlando. 

My first it is money, of specie or gold 

When "we" is objective, my second behold. — Cassius. 

My first, you see, is the time of year 

When all the leaves and the birds disappear; 

My second's a metaphor applied to bread. 

Because it supports one's life, it is said. — Falstaff. 

Invitation to a Shakespeare Club Card Party 

A CLUB devoted to Shakespeare as well as cards is- 
sued the following invitation which was responded to 
with alacrity by all the members. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Richard Smiths 
Greeting : 
*'Lend thy serious hearing to what I shall unfold." — Hamlet. 

"Sir (and lady), you are very welcome to our house. 
It must appear in other ways than words, 

Therefore, I scant this breathing courtesy." — Merchant of 
Venice. 

"Say, what abridgment 
Have you for this evening?" 

— Midsummer Night's Dream. 

"It will be the pastime passing excellent." — Taming of the 
Shrew: 

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Party Pastimes for the 

**If your love do not persuade you to come, 
Let not my letter." — Merchant of Venice. 

Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Brown. 
April twenty-first, at eight o'clock. 

The prizes were all suggestive of the immortal bard, 
consisting of a framed sepia print of Shakespeare, a 
stein with a picture of Falstaff and cup of sack; framed 
photographs of Stratford-on-Avon scenes, and a charm- 
ing print of Romeo and Juliet. The hostess called the 
roll and each member responded by giving a Shakes- 
peare quotation. 

A Spring Luncheon 

People who live in the country are making things 
pleasant for their city friends by having them out for a 
week-end or for a day. Delightfully informal lunch- 
eons, with tramps through the woods and ravines, make 
these visits pleasant. Birds and the budding spring- 
time furnish novelties galore, and nature hunt parties 
are quite the proper caper on the north shore. 

A hostess at one of these affairs asked her guests to 
wear short walking suits with stout shoes. After a 
couple of hours on a glorious tramp all returned to the 
house for a bountiful repast, consisting of escalloped 
creamed chicken, fried sweet potatoes, spaghetti, hot 
biscuit, tomato salad, strawberries and individual angel 
food cakes, with coffee served with the meal. The cen- 
trepiece consisted of a dozen pink, lavender, and white 
hepaticas and lacy bay ferns. With tall pinks in shaded 
candles the effect was lovely. At each place there was 
a small jardiniere filled with the same flowers, which 
were taken home by the delighted guests. 

The candy passed during the afternoon was pink, 
white, green, and yellow buttercups, and marshmallows 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

were toasted over the candles at the table. The prize 
for the most flowers guessed in the contest was pack- 
ages of flower seeds. 

By the way, I wonder how many people know that 
genuine wild-flower seeds may be purchased, I saw a 
barren yard around a new house that looked like a 
bower of beauty last summer, all made by sowing broad- 
cast a lot of wild-flower seeds. They made the place 
beautiful against the time when the yard could be 
properly graded and grassed. 



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Party Pastimes for the 



CHAPTER V— PASTIMES FOR MAY 

A Dinner for May Day 

THIS can be made a delightful occasion. Write 
the invitations and place each one in a tiny bas- 
ket, with a flower — and bit of green. Have them 
delivered by hanging on the doorknob, the messenger 
ringing the bell to be sure they are received. This re- 
vives the old and pretty custom of tying to the doorknob 
a May basket filled with flowers and perhaps a tiny gift, 
then hastening out of sight before the door was opened. 
Of course the most suitable centrepiece is a Maypole or 
a large gilt basket filled with flowers. To choose part- 
ners for any entertainment scheme the hostess may have 
in mind, make a **tulip bed.'' Fill a shallow wooden box 
with sawdust or sand, cover with green crepe paper and 
place on a taboret or table. Then make realistic tulips 
out of crepe tissue paper if the real ones are not pro- 
curable and expense cuts no figure. On the end of each 
wire stem place the half of some well-known quota- 
tion, or the title of some book. When the quotation is 
made whole, or the author of a book is found, the 
couples are ready to proceed; the flowers should be 
pulled first by a lady, then a gentleman. On one of 
the tulips there will be a crown drawn and the person 
who ^'gathers'* it will be adorned with a chaplet of 
flowers, representing the May-day "Queen;" a man 
should exchange with a lady if he draws the crown. 
Have some one read Tennyson's "I'm to Be Queen of 
the May," or "Call Me Early, Mother Dear." 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

A Milk and Honey Tea 

May is sometimes called the "bee" month, for the 
reason that in England clover is at its best at this sea- 
son and the honey bee makes its choicest honey. This 
very old saying comes to us from the annals of the 
past: 

A swarm of bees in May 

Is worth a load of hay; 

A swarm of bees in June 

Is worth a silver spoon; 

But a swarm of bees in July 

Is not worth a fly. 

This merry month of May also used to be called in 
ancient times the *Trimilki" month, for the pastures were 
so rich that the cows could be milked three times a day. 

With these two things in mind a clever hostess sent out 
her cards for this *'milk and honey tea/' with the words 
"informal" and "thimbles" in one corner. 

After a jolly hour examining the various bits of needle- 
work displayed by the guests the maid brought in a large 
tray containing the tea service, which was dainty with 
pink and white clovers around the sandwich plate that 
contained piping hot biscuit spread wnth honey. The tea 
was sweetened with honey and there were honey cakes 
and honey candy. For those who liked milk there was a 
pitcher of the fresh liquid, the cream floating yellow on 
the top, and a pretty bowl held cracked ice for those who 
liked it cold. 

There were little bee-decorated place cards for sou- 
venirs with this sentiment on the one in whose honor 
the tea was given: 

Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 

An Apple-Blossom Luncheon 

On apple-blossomed cards the invitations for a May 
luncheon were sent out. It was an informal aflfair, but 

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Party Pastimes for the 

very dainty. The hostess was fortunate to live in a 
suburb where fruit trees were plentiful, and recognized 
the fact that nothing is so appropriate as what the 
season and nature provide. She made her house into a 
dream of beauty by banking mantels, filling fireplaces, 
umbrella jars and other large receptacles with masses of 
pink and white blooms. 

On arrival the guests were refreshed with grape 
juice and wafers and then repaired to the dining-room 
lighted by alternate pink and white candles to partake 
of this tempting luncheon: Celery soup, crown roast of 
lamb, new peas and potatoes, hot rolls, tomatoes stuffed 
with sweetbreads, capped by mayonnaise; for dessert, 
maple mousse in white boxes with a spray of apple 
blossoms on the top; small pink and white iced cakes. 
The day was warm and cofTee was served on the flower- 
trimmed porch; afterwards a walk was taken in the 
near-by woods. This is a gentle hint to suburban peo- 
ple to entertain their city friends during this glorious 
month, when Mother Nature is waiting to receive her 
children in all the radiance of her pristine spring glory. 

For May First 

Children eagerly welcome any innovation from the 
commonplace, so let them share in the preparations for 
May Day. It makes them happier and in consequence 
better. If it is too cold to have outdoor fetes, the spirit 
and letter of the law may be carried out indoors. Most 
charming May baskets can be made by braiding crepe 
tissue paper, then sewing it together; alternating strips 
of white and green w^ork up effectively. A handle is 
braided and sewed on, and the receptacle filled with 
flowers. Covers for potted plant and earthen fern 
dishes are made in the same manner and add much to 
the beauty and attractiveness of these gifts. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

There has been a delightful revival of many old-time 
dances which were given on the greensward, among 
them the Morris dance, which is still danced in War- 
wickshire. May Day meant in England all sorts of pleas- 
ant plays and dances which were indulged in by both 
old and young. This Morris dance had a gay jingling of 
bells and a clashing of staves and swords. It was sup- 
posed to have been named from the Moors and several 
certain characters always participated — a fool, a piper, 
Maid Marian and a hobby horse. There is an old saying 
that the hobby horse was really the ''king'' of the May. 

A dance around the May pole is one of the prettiest 
sights imaginable. Instead of ribbon use streamers of 
tarlatan. Each child should have a crown of real or 
artificial flowers, the little queen to have a gilt circlet 
besides. A flower hunt is a good stunt, hiding the blos- 
soms in all sorts of places, providing little baskets to 
contain the spoils. In a sand pile each may take his 
turn in laying out a garden, dividing oflf the beds with 
shells and pretty stones, the best design to receive a prize 
of a package of flower seeds. At this May Day party, 
plan for all sorts of races, with a time-keeper and a 
judge, all the prizes to be flowers in pots or single blos- 
soms. The ice cream should be served in little pottery 
flower pots, small size, lined with waxed paper. Plant 
a flower in each pot, one of the straight, stiflf-stemmed 
variety, like tulips or jonquils. Sprinkle chocolate over 
the top to look like earth. The children will be delighted 
with this method of serving. 

For Memorial Day 

The thirtieth, brings the last special day in the month's 
calendar, and the shopkeepers have provided many 
patriotic reminders of this, our saddest memory day. We 
are all reminded forcefully each year of the fact that 

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Party Pastimes for the 

our **Grand Army'' is becoming pitifully reduced in ranks 
and we owe a debt of gratitude to the gray and griz- 
zled veterans who gave themselves to preserve the Union. 
This is not a time for hilarity, but for a sacred rever- 
ence. We may all do something to show our appreciation, 
even if it is only to pause and bow our heads or lift our 
hats when we see the soldiers pass on their way to lay 
fresh garlands on their comrades who are silently sleep- 
ing in the great bivouacs of the dead. If we are still 
privileged to have a "Grand Army" man within our 
family circle, let us decorate the table with flags and ask 
a few friends in to sing the good old war songs and listen 
to the thrilling stories that veterans can tell. Nothing in 
print is more interesting than these tales. Let us join in 
*The Blue and the Gray'' and say a prayer while our 
hearts ache over "The Vacant Chair." I am sure a splen- 
did entertainment may be arranged with the soldiers 
of '6 1 our honored guests. 

A May Day Luncheon 

The first day of May is a holiday much looked for- 
ward to by our cousins over the water. In England it is 
a most festive occasion, with the outdoor dance around 
the May pole and all sorts of games and races on the 
green, in which old and young participate. 

The filling of May baskets with wild flowers, hanging 
them on the doorknob, ringing the bell and running away 
is a custom told in song and story. It is an opportunity 
of giving gifts of flowers and concealing something more 
substantial in the basket. 

For the luncheon described the hostess had a May 
pole nearly three feet tall in the centre of the table. It 
stood in a block of wood concealed by a mound of flowers 
and ferns. An embroidery hoop wound with ribbon was 
on top, from which rainbow-colored ribbons ran to each 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

plate, where they were fastened to small baskets of vio- 
lets with the name card tied to the handle. 

The following menu was served: A chilled fruit mix- 
ture in tall glasses topped by a spoonful of lemon ice, 
broiled squab on toast, creamed new potatoes with 
chopped parsley, green peas, tomato salad with cucumbers 
and cheese straws, individual strawberry shortcakes and 
coffee. 

A Unique Flower Luncheon 

The hostess asked ten guests to come to a luncheon 
each wearing a flower (either real or artificial) to rep- 
resent a country. The flowers were all typically spring- 
like, being daffodils, narcissi and hyacinths. The place 
cards were original rhymes, in which the name of the 
flower was not mentioned, but to be guessed. A few 
specimens follow: 

Your sweet face says : "I think of you," 

Your colors are of every hue. (Pansy.) 

Blue as the loving sky, 
Thine emblem constancy. 

(Forget-me-not.) 

"I love you ! I love you !" your rich color imparts. 
Oh, how fondly we nesde you close to our hearts. 

(Red rose.) 

Though dangerous pleasures you imply, 
Your waxlike petals do please the eye. 

(Tuberose.) 

The countries represented are : United States, golden- 
rod; England, rose; Ireland, shamrock; France, fleur 
de lis; Japan, chrysanthemum; Canada, maple leaf; Hol- 
land, tulip; Scotland, thistle; Germany, cornflower; 
Switzerland, edelweiss, etc. 

One of the many flower-guessing contests was used as 
a pastime, the prizes being a copy of ^'Elizabeth and Her 

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Party Pastimes for the 

German Garden/' and set of flower-decorated place 
cards. The centre of the table represented a formal 
miniature garden. 

A Baseball Luncheon 

A MOTHER who had two sons in a baseball nine gave 
this original luncheon, inviting the nine as special guests. 
The invitations went out on diamond-shaped bits of pink 
paper and were received with great enthusiasm. The 
hour was one o'clock, after which there was a practice 
game for the approaching "big'' game which was to 
decide a championship ; so all were told to come in their 
baseball suits. 

The centre of the table was laid out for a game with 
miniature figures on a "diamond" made from green 
paper ; a wire mask held flowers, and the place souvenirs 
all represented names of famous baseball nines. There 
were the "cubs," little stuffed "red sox," the "pirates," 
represented by skull and crossbones; the "tigers," 
"giants" and "indians." There were also miniature bats 
and balls, and the nine's mascot, a dog, was not forgotten. 

A hearty meal of beefsteak, spaghetti, with tomato 
sauce, scalloped potatoes, olives, brown and white bread, 
salted nuts, fruit salad with hot cheese sandwiches, indi- 
vidual apple pies and generous cups of cocoa delighted 
the youthful guests. Molasses candy and peppermint 
sticks were the sweets. The boys went off with three 
cheers and a tiger for the popular mother, and she 
declared she never had more appreciative guests. 

Fruit-Tree Blossom Luncheon 

This is the month, and the only one, in which these 
decorations are available. A hostess realizing this is 
planning to use branches of apple, pear and peach blos- 
soms, making her house one bower of spring beauty. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

The wild pink crabapple blossoms she is going to use 
exclusively in the dining room. A very Japanese effect 
may be achieved with these blossoms and her idea for 
this affair is draw^n largely from the celebration of the 
feast of cherry blossoms so lovingly observed by our 
little brown neighbors across the western sea. Brown 
wistaria baskets will be used to hold single branches and 
the tint of the rooms is all soft grays and tans ; the result 
will be truly artistic and pleasing. From these hints I am 
sure all our readers will want to give May luncheons, and 
what could be prettier than these decorations for a house 
or church wedding? The practice of using what is sea- 
sonable and at hand is becoming more and more popular, 
and we do not need to force flowers not in season just 
because it costs a fortune to get them, but use the blos- 
soms nature provides for each season as it rolls around. 

Afternoon Tea 

As afternoon tea has become such an established 
custom on this side of the water, it is well to know some- 
thing of the origin of tea drinking. 

It is needless to say that China claims to have discov- 
ered the use of tea as a drink, and there is a very pretty 
legend connected with it, which is as follows : 

Way back in the dim past of that land of ancient 
history the daughter of a reigning sovereign w^as desper- 
ately in love with a young nobleman, whose caste did not 
permit him to marry her. At every opportunity they 
exchanged loving glances, and from time to time he 
gathered some flowers, sending them secretly to the 
object of his adoration. One day while strolling through 
the palace grounds the princess met her lover, and while 
her attendants were not looking he tried to give her 
some blossoms he carried, but all she grasped was a 
small, green-leafed twig. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

This she carefully protected, placing it in a goblet of 
water. She gave it her tenderest devotion and finally, 
being of a very sentimental nature, she lifted the glass 
and drank the water. Being impressed with the delicious 
flavor she ate the twig itself. 

The taste pleased her so greatly that in memory of her 
lover she had tea leaves brought to her each day and she 
ate them or drank the water. The court ladies observed 
her custom and whether from sentimental motives or not, 
they began to follow her example. The result was that 
tea drinking became prevalent throughout the Chinese 
empire and employment was thus given to many people. 
It is claimed that this occurred 3,000 years before the 
coming of Christ. 

An equally pretty legend narrates that the princess, who 
was suffering with an incurable disease, while walking 
in the garden with her ladies picked some leaves from 
the plants which bordered the walks and gave them to 
her friends to remember her by. Knowing that the leaves 
would dry and crumble in time the ladies planned to make 
the gift a part of their very life. They therefore infused 
the leaves and drank the tea. The custom of infusing the 
same kind of leaves was maintained long years after the 
princess had passed away, so that our tea-drinking is 
really in remembrance of this lovely lady of old. 

Tea tables are unusually pretty these days, and no 
place is quite so satisfactory to show off one's latest 
table accessories and dainty gowns, no place do my lady's 
dainty jewelled hands appear to greater advantage, than 
when presiding at her informal five o'clock tea. This 
cozy, unconventional hour is becoming popular with 
the men as well as the fair sex, and those who have been 
in England come home thoroughly addicted to the tea 
habit. 

Toasted crackers with butter or cheese are much in 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

favor, as well as the thinnest of sandwiches. One hostess 
IS famous for her hot muffins, another for toast fingers 
and orange marmalade. Candied orange and lemon peel, 
also ginger and oyster crackers dipped in melted chocolate, 
are all delicious to be served in quaint side dishes of glass 
or silver. 



7J 



Party Pastimes for the 



CHAPTER VI -PASTIMES FOR JUNE 

Gifts for Girl Graduates 

IN years gone by it was flowers only for the sweet girl 
graduate, but now, while flowers are still given, they 
are often used only as the medium of sending some 
gift of intrinsic value, concealing the parcel among the 
blossoms or tying it to the bouquet. There are regular 
books prepared, or they may be made by an artistic 
friend to contain all the memory notes so dear to girlish 
hearts, pages for pasting in programmes and samples of 
frocks, for there are several special gowns that girls 
seem to think necessary to be graduated properly. 
There is the frock for the baccalaureate sermon, the senior 
party frock and the graduating gown, which ranks next 
in importance to the wedding gown or the debut dress. 
The class colors, the college yell, spaces for senior pic- 
tures, the class day programme, newspaper clippings ; all 
these find a place in the book, and there are probably 
many other items that the individual will want to put in, 
so several pages are left blank. For those who may wish 
to make such a book I append a number of suitable 
quotations : 

For the cover: 

A day in June. 

For the graduate as a freshman: 

An unlesson'd girl, unschoord, unpractised: 

Happy in this, she is not yet so old 

But she may learn. — Shakespeare. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

A photograph as she looked during a vacation : 

The world is so full of a number of things, 
Tm sure we should all be as happy as kings. 

— Robert Louis Stevenson. 

Under a picture of the school : 

Still sits the schoolhouse by the road. 

— Whittier. 

To go under a picture of teachers or pupils : 

I count myself in nothing else so happy 
As in a soul remembering my good friends. 

— Shakespeare. 

This under the college president's likeness : 

Taught thee each hour one thing or another. 

— Shakespeare. 

Under class pictures these are appropriate: 

A bevy of fair women. Milton. 

.... companions 
That do converse and waste the time together. 
Whose souls do bear an equal yoke of love. 

— Shakespeare. 

For the college colors use this: 

Thoughts, master, are masked under such colors. 

— Shakespeare. 

And this for the college jokes : 

A college joke to cure the dumps. 

— Dean Swift. 

The space reserved for clippings will need this 

quotation : 

Praise me not too much, 
Nor blame me, for thou speakest to the Greeks, 
Who know me. —Bryant's "Homer's Iliad." 

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Party Pastimes for the 

And at the last use this : 

Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever ; 
Do noble things, not dream them, all day long. 

— Charles Kingsley. 

The child is a woman, the book may close over, 
For all the lessons are said. 

— Jean Ingelow. 

Class Party 

This affair was held on the lawn and was given by a 
class president to the members of her graduating class. 
The hours were from four to eight ; thus was included a 
very charming picnic luncheon or supper. When all had 
arrived, partners were chosen for tennis and croquet, 
and each one was presented with a denim pillow in the 
class colors, which happened to be green and orange. 
The pillows were made by taking the two colors, sewing 
them together diagonally across the sides. They made 
bright spots of color on the greensward and were accept- 
able souvenirs of a very happy occasion. Then each one 
had a rosette of the same colors. Refreshments were 
served at small tables on the porch, which were gay with 
Chinese lanterns. There were two kinds of cold meat, 
hot biscuit, potato salad, olives, salted nuts, ice cream and 
cakes with candy, ginger ale, and coffee for those who 
wished it. At eight o'clock a hay rack took them to a 
nearby country club for an informal dance. 

Toasts and Sentiments for a Class Banquet 

This is an outline used upon the programme of a class 
who had their farewell dinner before graduation. A good 
way to use these excellent selections would be to assign 
them as responses, awarding the subjects to various 
members of the class. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

A Journey 

Toastmlstress : 

Then, pilgrim, turn, thy cares forego 

All earth-born cares are wrong; 
Man wants but little here below, 

Nor wants that little long. 

— Goldsmith. 

The Preparation — Our Alma Mater: 

Where'er I roam, whatever realms I see. 

My heart untravell'd fondly turns to thee. 

The Beginning — The graduates : 

Nature, a mother kind alike to all, 

Still grants her bliss at labor's earnest call. 

On the Way — The Alumnae : 

For just experience tells in every soil. 

That those who think must govern those that toil. 

A Roadside View — The Prophesy: 

Around my fire an evening group to draw. 

And tell of all I felt and all I saw. 

Our Guide : 

But in his duty, prompt at every call, 

He watched and wept, he prayed and felt for all. 

Destination — Our Married Sisters : 

Let school-taught pride dissemble all it can. 

These little things are great to little man. 

A June Luncheon 

In June the flowers are so plentiful that many love to 
entertain. I want to tell you how a hostess in the country 
gave a clover luncheon one rare day in this lovely month. 
The guests were asked to come out from the city in 
shirtwaist suits and the hostess told them they were to 
go out and gather clover for her decorations. In fields 
near the house red, white, and a beautiful variety of 
pink-tinged clover grew in profusion. Bowls, jars, and 
small crocks were filled with these fragrant blossoms. 

The place cards were decorated with clovers and green 
four-leafed clovers, and each bore an appropriate quota- 
tion, which I give for the benefit of others : 

8i 



Party Pastimes for the 

Quotations 

The queen of the year has come, 

Hail to thee, June! Sweet mistress mine. 

— GODDARD. 

Hark! she is here — 'tis the rose-faced June 
Striking the harp to her merriest tune. 

— Capern. 

Welcome, bright June, and all its smiling hours, 
With song of birds and stir of leaves and wings. 

— Webbe. 

June, bonnie June, I but love thee the more 
That evermore smiling thou sunshine dost bring. 

— Leigh Hunt. 

June, brightest of the summer months of flowers. 

— Burleigh. 

With sunny smiles and showery tears 
The soft, young June day now appears. 

— McLellan. 

And what is so rare as a day in June? 

— Lowell. 

Sweet June, with the fair forehead bound 
With dewy wild flowers and with roses crowned. 
I love thee well. 

— McLellan. 

Dainty Centrepiece 

A HOSTESS living in a delightful country place arranged 
this unique centrepiece at a luncheon v^hich she gave for 
some of her city friends. She had an enormous straw 
hat tied as a basket filled v^ith roses. It v^as held by a 
big bow of gauze ribbon. At each place small baskets 
filled with unhulled strawberries rested on a doily of 
grape leaves. On the handle was a bow of pink gauze 
ribbon, with the name card pinned to it with a dainty 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

imitation coral stick-pin ; just one pink rose rested on the 
handle. It was all very simple, but the rustic effect was 
lovely. 

Luncheon for Girl Graduates 

Next to the wedding day there is no more important 
occasion, perhaps, than the day the bud makes her bow 
to society, and not all girls do that ; most of them, how- 
ever, are pretty sure to graduate and marry. In this age 
of elaborate entertainments those for the young woman 
just leaving the schoolroom have their full quota of 
elegance. At an affair given for the graduating class of 
a fashionable school the centrepiece was a silver basket 
filled with pink moss ; instead of a real silver receptacle, 
a basket gilded or silvered would be equally effective. 
Candles of pink, with silver shades and place cards cut 
and tinted in exact rose shades, added much to this 
couleur de rose table. The nut-holders carried out the 
same idea, for they were tiny pink roses, the paper cases 
being inclosed in silken rose petals. The ice cream was 
in shape of pink roses with stem and leaves of green 
candy. At each place was a long-stemmed rose, to which 
was tied a small pink bag of satin which contained 
the graduate hostess's gift to her classmates — lovely 
amethyst pins. Graduation presents are now uppermost 
in every one's mind, and belt pins, hat pins, bracelets, and 
collar pins are all safe purchases set with semiprecious 
stones, and any girl would be delighted with a bit of real 
Irish lace in form of stock, collar, cuff's. 

Graduate Farewell Luncheon 

These are the days shared alike with the sweet girl 
graduate and the fair June bride. Ofttimes the graduate 
soon becomes the bride, and it was an occasion like this 
that originated this pretty luncheon. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

The guest of honor was invited to be present on a 
certain day at the home of the hostess, who was the class 
president. AH excepting the honored guest contributed 
to the feast. 

The quotation used on the place cards was especially 
apropos. It was Longfellow's beautiful lines: 

Stop, stop, my wheel! Too soon, too soon, 
The noon will be the afternoon, 
Too soon to-day be yesterday. 

The toasts were "Our School," "Our Bride-EIect'' and 
"Plain Living and High Thinking/' The class gift was a 
stunning copper desk set, with the bride's monogram 
done on each piece. 

Reunion of College Girls 

At a reunion of college girls the hostess planned a 
"daisy" luncheon which was very pretty. The invitations 
had water-color daisies scattered over the pale-green note 
paper and read : "Will you be a link in my Maisy chain' 
on (day, date, hour) ?" 

After wraps were removed the hostess gave each guest 
a wreath of daisies for her hair. These she had made 
on very fine wire of real daisies which had been left in 
water overnight so they kept perfectly fresh for several 
hours. The table (a round one) had a large mass of 
daisies in a green bowl for the centrepiece, and from the 
overhead light to the four corners there was a daisy chain 
made of smilax and daisies fastened at each corner with 
bows of yellow and white tulle. The small cakes served 
with the ice cream were ornamented with frosting daisies 
with yellow centres ; the ice cream was yellow and white. 
Gold-band china and glass candlesticks with yellow shades 
completed this exceptionally good-looking table. The 
place cards were cards with daisies cut out around the 
edge, hand painted. There was no special entertainment 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

scheme planned, as the hostess said *'the girls had so 
much to 'reminisce' about they had time to give every one 
a chance to talk it over." By the way, this set of girls, 
many of whom are married, have a very nice custom of 
keeping each others' birthdays. They have a book with 
all dates in, so if only a card of greeting is sent, the 
birthday member is sure of at least ten good wishes for 
''many happy returns of the day." 

Omens of the Wedding Day 

June — the month allotted to brides and roses — is prob- 
ably the most popular season of the year, as it brings to 
many the fulfilment of hearts' desires. It is said — by 
whom no one seems to know — that if the day chosen by a 
girl for her wedding proves to be rainy, her life will be 
filled with more sorrow than joy. Be that as it may, one 
of the very happiest of marriages was made on Friday, 
the thirteenth day of the month, and at the hour set for 
the ceremony there was a most terrific thunderstorm. In 
spite of the fact that for years Saturday was considered 
the most unlucky of wedding days, of late it has been 
chosen by brides of even international fame. 

If the carriage containing a bride should meet a funeral 
procession the driver must be instructed to turn some 
other way. If he does not, fate decrees that the bride 
will soon die. 

To avoid the possibility of any bad luck on her wedding 
day, the bride-elect should not offer to assist in washing 
or wiping the family dishes, for if by chance she should 
happen to break a bit of china it would be an exceedingly 
evil omen. The old record does not say what, but it 
would be prudent not to tempt fate. 

Gray is the color a bride should choose for her going- 
away gown if she wishes to wear what for ages has been 
considered the proper thing to insure good luck. Perhaps 

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Party Pastimes for the 

that is the reason that there is always a steady demand 
for this color. 

Some one gets hold of these old superstitions and 
customs, and the public thinks it is acquiring something 
new just because they are so old that everyone has 
forgotten all about them. 

When the cake known as the ^'groom's cake" is passed 
at a wedding supper the girl who gets the longest piece 
will be the first one to marry. Maidens who are anxious 
to leave the state of single blessedness should consult 
the head waiter and see that some bits of cake are cut 
longer than the others. 

Fate was certainly kind when she decreed that for a 
bride to shed tears on her wedding was a good omen, 
for it would take a pretty stoical young woman to go 
through the breaking of home ties without a few tears, 
no matter how alluring the prospect of the new life. 

Snow falling on a wedding day augurs well for the 
happy couple, being a prophecy of great happiness. 

For girls who have been asked to set the day it might 
be well to remember that June 3, 11, 19, and 21 are 
considered by the fates to be especially propitious on 
which to have the knot tied. 

A Flag Day Party 

This is primarily for the children, but a hostess enter- 
taining on the fourteenth may utilize a red, white, and 
blue color scheme with our beloved Stars and Stripes in 
evidence among the decorations. 

Make the children realize how much the flag means to 
us, its origin, and let them hang flags everywhere, large 
and small, and provide wee flags of silk for them to 
wear; they are not costly. Show them pictures of the 
flags of other nations ; Webster's Dictionary shows them 
all and sets of foreign flags in an envelope are obtainable 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

at most department stores. Have a programme of 
patriotic songs ; children love to sing them. Then serve 
ice cream in little flag-decorated boxes and wee cakes 
with a flag stuck in the white icing. 

A Toast to Our Flag 

Flag of the free hearts' hope and home! 

By angel hands to valor given; 
Thy stars have lit the welkin dome, 

And all thy hues are born in heaven. 
Forever float that standard true ! 

Where breathes the foe but falls before us, 
To Freedom's soil beneath our feet, 

To Freedom's banner streaming o'er us. 

— Lena Austin. 

Suggestions for Travellers 

A LADY going to Europe was the recipient of numerous 
gifts from her family and friends and had several fare- 
well showers given her. On her return she said that a 
pair of knitted woollen slippers without soles had afforded 
her inexpressible comfort while on shipboard and on the 
continent, where fire in her room was often an impossi- 
bility. They took scarcely any room in her travelling 
bag and proved a nightly comfort. Another convenience 
would be bags made for each pair of shoes, of blue 
chambray bound with white tape, white bags of linen to 
hold corsets and a series of eight or ten little pockets to 
be fastened to the top tray of the steamer trunk. Such 
"catch-alls" are a great convenience. 

This is how a thoughtful mother prepared lunch for 
two small children: The journey was almost across the 
continent, and something had to be done to vary the 
monotony of the dining car. Delicious sandwiches, each 
separately wrapped in wax paper, salted nuts, a tiny 
cheese jar filled with jelly, wafers and individual sponge 
cakes were packed in small boxes and then all were 

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Party Pastimes for the 

packed in a papier-mache telescope, which was used 
exclusively as a lunch box. 

In each box there was a "surprise," such as snapping 
paper caps, paper dolls to be cut, paper puzzles in 
envelopes, even small toys, mostly in shape of candy 
boxes, which were filled with peppermints and fruit 
tablets. There were paper napkins in a variety of shapes 
and colors, and plenty of them. Lemon juice in a glass 
bottle provided lemonade, and there were aluminum 
spoons, a small glass for each child, and squares of 
waxed paper for holding fruit, thus keeping the little 
fingers clean. Meal time was a delight, and there were 
no piece meals indulged in at any *'old time." Once in 
the morning and once in the afternoon they had an apple 
or orange, and at the end of the journey the children 
were in perfect physical condition, thanks to the mother's 
regularity. She certainly had travelling reduced to a 
science. 

The stewardess on an ocean liner told a passenger who 
was grievously aifiicted with mal-de-mer that a bit of 
boiled ham or bacon, or even dried beef, chewed slowly, 
would settle the stomach, and other food would also be 
retained after taking the salty morsels. This was tried 
and proved successful. 

A sheet of letter paper placed over the pit of the 
stomach will often relieve car sickness, so an old experi- 
enced traveler says. It is always obtainable and is worth 
remembering. 

When one or more persons are travelling together it is 
well to make one bundle of canes and umbrellas by fasten- 
ing with small leather straps of black or tan that come for 
this purpose. Besides the travelling cups which collapse 
and fit into cases there are cups of paper that will serve 
for three or four drinks and can then be thrown away. 
These are fine for picnics and automobile trips. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

A Daisy Table 

In many localities daisies grow wild in profusion. A 
hostess who rejoiced in fields of them used this dehghtful 
combination ; she made long chains of daisies and smilax, 
and outlined the places at table, which was set with a 
cluny lace cloth over pale blue. The candlesticks were 
of glass, with white candles shaded with white over 
blue, with a fringe of white beads. The centrepiece was 
a gilded basket with daisies, the handle tied with a huge 
bow of white and blue satin ribbon. The guests were all 
members of an embroidery class, so for favors there were 
gilded embroidery hoops tied with pale-blue satin ribbon. 
For place cards there were hand-painted marguerites with 
the petals cut out, names of the guests being done in gilt. 

At each plate was a corsage bouquet of daisies tied 
with blue ribbon. Everyone exclaimed ''How lovely!'' 
when the doors were opened and the pretty table 
disclosed ; the china was white gold band and the effect 
was so cool and refreshing. A simple summer menu 
was served, the salad being the only thing characteristic 
of the decorations. It was made by hard-boiling eggs; 
cutting the whites lengthwise to make petals, and mashing 
the well-seasoned yolks to form the round centres of the 
''daisies'' which were carefully formed on the blanched 
hearts of head lettuce. 

A Strawberry Luncheon 

June is the season when these luscious berries are in 
their prime and a luncheon with them for the basis is a 
very pretty affair. Use a brown rustic basket for the 
centrepiece, filled with large red berries, vines, and leaves. 
If possible to obtain, get the real plants. At each place 
have a white candle with a shade of crushed strawberry 
color. Serve first five unhulled berries on a leaf-covered 
plate, with a neat pile of pulverized sugar in the centre. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

Instead of plates small baskets are suitable for these 
berries, standing them on a service plate ; the place card 
may be tied to the handle. Tomato soup comes next, 
then a salmon croquette, new potatoes, and beet salad. 
The last course will be individual strawberry shortcakes. 
With these pass a bowl of whipped cream for those who 
wish it, as it is a good rule never to serve any fruit with 
cream on it, as many people dislike milk or cream with a 
fruit acid. During the afternoon lemonade may be served 
with strawberries floating on top. 

The Morning Musicale 

During the spring and summer the morning musicale 
is most popular, the hours being from lo to 12. At an 
affair of this kind given for about twenty intimate friends, 
which was followed by a simple luncheon, the hostess 
had the following quotations, one at the top of each 
programme : 

Music is the language spoken by angels. — Longfellow. 

Music is the child of prayer, the companion of religion. — 
Chateaubriand. 

Music loosens the heart that care has bound. — Byrd. 

Music is love in search for a word. — Sidney Lanier. 

Music is as a shower bath of the soul, washing away all that 
is impure. — Schopenhauer. 

In music all hearts are revealed to us. — Shorthouse. 

My language is understood all over the world. — Haydn. 

Music is a thing of the soul ; a rose-lipped shell that murmurs 
of the eternal sea; a strange bird singing the songs of another 
shore. — J. G. Holland. 

What love is to man, music is to the arts and to mankind. — 
VoN Weber. 

Music is the first, the simplest, the most effective of all instru- 
ments of moral instructions. — Ruskin. 

It is music's lofty mission to shed light on the human soul. — 
Schumann. 

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. — 
Auerbach. 

Music is the only sensual qualification mankind may indulge in 

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to excess without injury to their moral or religious feelings. — • 
Addison. 

Music is to the mind as is air to the body. — Plato. 

Music is a higher manifestation than all wisdom and phi- 
losophy. — Beethoven. 

Music is the only perfect language of all the higher emotions. 
— Abbott. 

Music is the only one of all the arts that does not corrupt the 
mind. — Montesquieu. 

Were it not for music, we might in these days say the beauti- 
ful is dead. — Disraeli. 

We cannot imagine a complete education of man without 
music. It is the gymnastics of the affections. In suitable connec- 
tion with exercises, it is necessary to keep body and soul in 
health.— -RiCHTER. 

I think sometimes could I only have music on my own terms, 
could I live in a great city, and know where I could go whenever 
I wished the ablution and inundation of musical waves, that 
were a bath and a medicine. — Emerson. 

That which music expresses is eternal and ideal. It does not 
give voice to the passion, the love, the longing of this or the 
other individual, under these or other circumstances; but to 
passion, love, longing itself. — Wagner. 

It is in music, perhaps, that the soul most nearly attains the 
great end for which, when inspired by the poetic sentiment, it 
struggles — the creation of supernal beauty. It may be, indeed 
that here this sublime end is now and then attained in fact. We 
are often made to feel with a shivering delight that from an 
earthly harp are stricken notes which could not have been 
unfamiliar to the angels. — Edgar Allan Poe, 

A Rose Musicale 

Roses belong to June, so this charming affair is 
specially fitting then. Have the hour 3 o'clock and 
give the programme of songs all pertaining to roses. 
Intersperse piano or violin selections, although ballad 
programmes are very popular. Serve ice cream, either in 
rose molds or in lovely candy roses, the stems of green 
candy; small cakes and after-dinner cups of French 
coffee. Decorate exclusively with roses, giving each 
guest one as he enters the room. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

PROGRAMME 

1. My Love Is Like a Red, Red Rose. 

2. Roses Bring Dreams of You. 

3. My Rosy Rambler. 

4. My Southern Rose. 

5. Last Rose of Summer. 

6. Garden of Roses. 

7. My Wild Irish Rose. 

8. Roses in June. 

9. Meet Me in Rosetime, Rosie. 

10. Roses. 

11. My Rosary. 

12. Rose, Pretty Rose. 

A Clover Luncheon 

The invitations for this pretty affair were sent on 
green cardboard clovers, written with white ink; there 
were only six guests, and they were asked to wear shirt 
waist suits, so there was no formality. The table centre- 
piece was a glass bowl filled with pink and white clover 
blossoms with a profusion of the beautiful leaves. The 
tablecloth was sprinkled with clovers, and clover chains 
made by the small daughter of the hostess went to the 
four corners of the table from the chandelier. The effect 
was lovely and so simple. 

The place cards were white, with a four-leafed clover 
pasted on each. The first course was fruit, then fish 
creamed in ramekins, Saratoga chips, pear salad, cheese 
wafers, olives, nuts, cheese balls with bar-le-duc. A 
sherbet, small cakes and iced grape juice completed the 
repast. After luncheon a long walk was taken through 
the fields to hunt four-leafed clovers. On the return tiny 
hot biscuit with clover honey were served on the porch, 
with tea. 

June Birthday Party 

A LITTLE girl whom the gods favored by ushering into 
this mortal sphere on a sunny June day always has her 

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birthday celebrations on the lawn. Each year this affair, 
which was always a costume party or a character party 
of some kind, was looked forward to not only by the 
participants in the pretty pageant, but by the grown-ups 
who were asked to view the scene from the broad piazzas. 

The invitations, which were issued two weeks in 
advance, requested the guests to come costumed as the 
flower designated. These notes were written in gold ink 
on pale pink paper, tied to a pink rosebud; and were 
delivered from a rose-trimmed basket. 

The girls came as roses in all varieties. Then there 
were lily of the valley, violet, tiger lily, daisy, pansy, 
black-eyed Susan, etc. The boys were sunflowers, 
bachelor's buttons, tulips, red carnations and chrysanthe- 
mums and nasturtiums. Jack-in-the-Pulpit and Johnny 
Jump-Up were also represented. Crepe tissue paper and 
cheap gauzes, tinsels and cambrics entered largely into 
the construction of the costumes worn. 

Soap bubbles occupied the first part of the afternoon, 
the tennis court being the place selected for the contest. 
The girls blew the bubbles and the boys fanned them over 
the net ; the opposite side tried to keep the bubbles from 
going over. The side first getting ten bubbles over the 
net won a prize. Then things were reversed, and the boys 
blew and the girls fanned. Glycerin in the proportion of 
a tablespoonful to a pint of water was used for blowing 
the bubbles and the pipes had a rim of soap around them 
inside the bowl which causes the fairy balls to grow to 
immense size ; the glycerin gives lasting qualities unknown 
to plain water. There were prizes for this contest, 
consisting of flower-shaped candy boxes filled with 
candied violets and rose petals. 

At 5 o'clock supper was served from a long table 
over which a canopy of paper roses had been made by 



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Party Pastimes for the 

putting up tall stakes at regular intervals from which 
these garlands were festooned; the roof was made by 
criss-crossing, heavy wire and covering with vines. The 
roses were suspended by fine wire. The effect was 
excellent. 

Making the roses had furnished the children of the 
house pleasant occupation for more than one rainy spring 
day; having helped in the preparations, they were most 
keenly interested in the success of the party. 

Refreshments consisted of minced chicken sand- 
wiches, lemonade, sugar wafers, strawberry ice cream 
and a huge birthday cake wreathed in pink roses. Pink 
rose holders held the candles, and each child had a wee 
pink iced cake with a wee pink candle in front of his 
place to take home. 

A Croquet Luncheon 

Along with other old-fashioned things the time-hon- 
ored game of croquet has been revived. These sugges- 
tions are for a luncheon to follow a match. 

The table should be a long one to carry out the scheme 
with best effect, and if a miniature set of croquet can be 
purchased it will also simplify matters. Eight small 
wickets will be needed and they are to be arranged on 
the table just as on the ground. The cage or crossed 
arches should be quite tall, as they will form the centre- 
piece. Any handy man (or woman) can make these 
wickets with blocks of wood and wire. Wind the wickets 
first with green crepe paper, then with fine picture wire 
or florists' wire. Cover them with sweet peas or any 
other flower that may be preferred, but the sweet peas 
are especially pretty when the delicate pink, white and 
lavender are combined. Each wicket may have a ribbon 
bow on top. The tiny croquet mallets are laid at each 
place with name cards tied to the handle. For bonbons 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

have hard candy balls flavored with fruit juice; the 
confectioner will make them in all the delicate shades. 
The croquet stakes, ribbon-bound, should be at the head 
and foot and the successful players have these seats. 



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Party Pastimes for the 



CHAPTER VII —PASTIMES FOR JULY 

THE Fourth of July, besides celebrating- our nation's 
birthday, has become a day of family festivities, 
often marking the gathering of the clan for the 
first time since the winter holidays. It is a jolly merry- 
making time for house and week-end parties. Everyone 
is in a holiday humor, and the gorgeous red, white and 
blue floats in triumph from the flagstaffs erected on the 
grounds of country homes. 

It is now quite the thing to fly a large bunting flag, 
and the lowering and raising each day has become a part 
of the daily routine. In one family the eldest son, a lad 
of 12, has been delegated for this especial duty, the flag 
being carefully folded and put in a certain place. It is 
left up until seven, as father always likes to see it flying 
when he comes home on the train, "for then he knows 
everything is all right," as the seven-year-old girl 
explained. 

At a party to be given at a hospitable home, the guests 
were asked to come in costumes representing prominent 
characters in American history. The ice cream was 
in shape of flags, gunboats and forts with tiny silk flags 
flying from the ramparts, and soldiers. Fireworks were 
set off after dark, but there were no explosives louder 
than baby firecrackers and small torpedoes. They had all 
sorts of funny races on the lawn, and the prizes were 
patriotic candy boxes filled with candy crackers and 
chocolate bonbons wrapped like torpedoes. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

July Fourth Balloon Party 

A DEVOTED father cornered the balloon market for a 
party which was given in honor of his son's eighth birth- 
day. The youngster having reached earth in time to 
hear the final ''pop" before July Fourth ended, his parents 
always tried to have some rather unusual party for him. 

There were twenty children, and ten red and ten blue 
balloons. Then under the father's direction each child 
had a fireworks balloon, which was sent up just ''as soon 
as it's dark enough," the small lad said. And what a 
long time it takes to get dark on the Fourth of July I 

There was plenty of pink lemonade, with cherries in 
it, a silk flag for each one, red, white and blue candles in 
the cake and ice cream in the same patriotic colors, 
moulded in shapes of cannons, with cannon balls of 
chocolate. Altogether it was a jolly good party, and no 
danger in it, either. The boys shot air guns and the 
girls had bows and arrows. 

Fourth of July Tangle Party 

The invitations for this party read : "Miss Sally Parks 
desires Miss Mildred Jones's presence at a Ntlage Yaptr 
on Saturday, July 4, from 8 to 11." 

It took a little juggling with letters to find out just 
what kind of party it was, and when they did get the 
words the guests were not much wiser. Mystery is 
always delightful, especially when one is to be entertained. 

The first tangle was unravelling or rather untangling 
worsteds, the partners being chosen by matching quota- 
tions cut in halves. The prize was awarded after each 
event. "Tangled Celebrities" came next, being the names 
of famous persons transposed. There were ten names 
and five minutes were allotted for making them plain. 
Partners were found for this by hunting and matching 

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Party Pastimes for the 

animal crackers. The third and last tangle was the very 
best. 

A lot of imitation firecrackers (made of candy) were 
tied to a string and made into a perfect maze, cobweb 
fashion, each person being given an end to untangle, 
taking off firecrackers as they were found. The one who 
got the most crackers off in a given space of time not 
only had the spoils to eat, but a funny cannon cracker 
box filled with delicious candy cannon balls. 

A July Fourth Amusement 

The objects all represent prominent Americans; pic- 
tures cut from magazines will help out. The names may 
be written on flag-decorated cards: 

Paul Revere— A toy horse with rider labelled, "The Horse 
Travels Best by Night." 

Abraham Lincoln — Two small darkies, labelled, "All Free." 

Washington — A bunch of cherries, labelled, "Our National 
Fruit." 

Carrie Nation — A toy hatchet, labelled, "You Think You 
Know. Guess Again." 

General Grant — A chocolate cigar. 

Theodore Roosevelt — A doll's Rough Rider hat. 

Richmond Hobson — A confectioner's "kiss." 

Barbara Frietchie — The national flag. 

Theodore Thomas — A bar of music and a street car con- 
ductor's cap. 

Benjamin Harrison — His grandfather's hat 

Mark Twain — Two pencil marks. 

P. T. Barnum — A hippopotamus, labelled, "The Greatest Show 
on Earth." 

Harriet Beecher Stowe — "Uncle Tom's Cabin," represented 
by a toy negro cabin. 

Priscilla Alden — A picture of a Puritan at a spinning wheel. 

Jefferson Davis — A Confederate dollar bill. 

William J. Bryan — A silver dollar (number sixteen in the 
collection). 

Miss Stone — The stone figure of a woman, labelled, "Kid- 
napped," or a copy of Stevenson's "Kidnapped." 

Joseph Jefferson — A little dog, labelled, "My Dog Schneider." 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

Nathaniel Hawthorne — "The Scarlet Letter/' represented 
by a medium-size red envelope. 

Eli Whitney — A cotton gin, represented by a branch of cot- 
ton and a bottle, labelled, "Pure Holland Gin." 

Robert Fulton — A toy steamboat. 

Benjamin Franklin — A kite and a key. 

For favors cover small pill boxes with red paper to 
look like firecrackers ; run a string through the cork for 
a fuse; fill with red bonbons or perfumery. 

Some Patriotic Toasts 

to COLUMBIA AND HERS 

Here's health to Columbia, the pride of the earth. 
The Stars and Stripes — drink the land of our birth ! 
Toast the army and navy, who fought for our cause, 
Who conquered and won us our freedom and laws. 

I was born an American, I live an American, I shall die an 
American. — Daniel Webster. 

Breathes there the man with soul so dead 
Who never to himself hath said: 

"This is my own, my native land!" 
Whose heart hath ne*er within him burned 
As home his footsteps he hath turned 

From wandering on a foreign strand? 

—"Lay of the Last Minstrel," Scott. 

A Porch Watermelon Party 

The invitations were melon-shaped bits of green card- 
board ornamented with a row of little darkies eating 
triangular pieces of watermelon, the words, "Den O dat 
Watermelon'' done in gilt letters across the top. Jack 
O'Lantems made from watermelons hung from the 
veranda, alternating with Japanese lanterns of various 
shades. The table centrepiece was made from a scooped- 
out half of melon filled with brilliantly colored nastur- 
tiums ; the name cards were extremely odd, being squares 

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Party Pastimes for the 

of melon rinds, the names etched down to the pale lining 
of the rind. A sharp orange wood stick was used for 
lettering. The place doilies were made from melon seeds, 
the black coloring showing up beautifully on the pink. 
The first course was iced watermelon juice with tiny 
cubes of the pink fruit floating in the green bouillon 
cups. The next course was watermelon and cantaloupe 
salad served in white lettuce hearts in pink salad cups 
made from crepe paper ; and the third course consisted of 
salad cups made from pink crepe paper; and the fourth 
course consisted of watermelon frappe served in little 
boats from watermelon rinds neatly cut out with a very 
sharp knife, each boat having a darky doll to steer it. 
After this unique repast, a quartet of darkies sang coon 
songs for an hour ; they were concealed by the shrubbery 
on the lawn and the music was greatly enjoyed by the 
guests on the porch, the moon came up and it was all 
lovely and unusual. 

For a Dandelion Party 

Was there ever a child who did not love dandelions? 
This gorgeous little flower is first with us in the spring, 
and even stray blossoms may be found late in the fall. 
A field fairly carpeted with these yellow stars gave the 
idea for this party. 

No sooner thought of than a dozen children had 
received notes written in white ink on round pieces of 
yellow paper asking them to assemble in Parson's field 
at two o'clock one July afternoon. Sewing tables were 
set under a couple of trees covered with white crepe 
paper tablecloths. In the centre of each was a mound of 
dandelions, a bunch at each place, and there was a basket 
for each guest. 

When all had arrived there was a contest to see who 
could gather the most flowers in a half-hour; after the 

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spoils were counted the boy and the girl having the most 
were crowned with dandelion wreaths. Then they made 
rings, chains, and bracelets out of the stems and told 
fortunes by the full blown blossoms. 

At five o'clock this delicious spread was unpacked from 
a huge hamper, and the children pronounced it the "best 
ever'': Bread-and-butter sandwiches, egg salad, dainty 
small cakes and bottled lemonade, fruit and candy. 

A Bacon Bat 

A YOUNG college friend informed me that the very 
latest thing in outdoor affairs was "a bacon bat." I 
concluded that it must be loads of fun. Of course, as 
with all such parties, all depends upon the guests and 
their love of outdoor functions. We all feel the ''call of 
the wild" these glorious days, and I am sure many of our 
readers will want to have a ''bacon bat" just as soon as 
they read this. 

Six couples are enough. Provide plenty of delicious 
bacon sliced very thin, sweet potatoes and several dozen 
finger rolls. These are the requirements, but other things 
may be added at the pleasure of the hostess. Build a 
fire, roast the sweet potatoes (or take a frying pan, have 
the potatoes boiled at home, and fry them over the coals). 
Grill the bacon on the ends of long sticks, insert the 
finger rolls and you have a meal fit for a king. Coffee 
may be made, and I assure you the only danger is in not 
having enough of everything. 

Nature study classes are in favor all over the country, 
and after a tramp, what could be more appetizing than 
the repast I have just described? I would suggest roast- 
ing Irish potatoes and taking a jar of butter with plenty 
of tissue paper napkins. Hard boiled eggs are a welcome 
addition, with a jar of tiny cucumber pickles and olives 
both ripe and green. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

A Hen Party 

Don't for one minute think that this party was merely 
a convocation of the gentler sex. The men were the 
instigators, and this is the way it all came about. A 
couple belonging to their card club had taken the sub- 
urban fever in its most violent form. The result was not 
only a charming bungalow some twenty miles out, but 
the chicken fever had struck them, too. So all ''Ed" 
talked about was hens and their fresh eggs. The funny 
man in the club suggested a surprise party, first telling 
the couple that a few of them were coming out on Satur- 
day afternoon. The women prepared a dainty luncheon, 
and each man secured a real live hen, some took a dozen 
eggs for hatching. Imagine the scene when twenty 
guests arrived, and ten hens. The host and hostess rose 
to the occasion, coffee was made and the repast served 
on the porch while the men regaled the company with 
the stories of how and where they procured the hens. It 
was made up among them that he fowls must be delivered 
by the giver, not sent by express or messenger. It was 
the funniest affair ever seen. 

An Outdoor Fete 

A YOUNG woman who lived in the country, also near 
the shore of one of our great lakes, planned this happy 
day for her friends. 

She was entertaining a house party of four, then she 
issued charming cards bearing a snap shot of the house, 
with the following diversions : from ten to twelve, tennis, 
croquet, archery; luncheon al fresco at one; on the 
veranda until three; surf bathing and beach party with 
picnic supper at six. Lawn party with dancing at half 
after eight. The guests took in all or as many of the 
features as they could, all showing up at the party. The 

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lawn was beautifully decorated with lanterns, fairy 
lamps and several electric headlights, making it a scene 
like fairy land. 

A few stringed instruments furnished the music. 
Refreshments consisting of watermelons, ices, fruits, 
small cakes and bonbons were served on the porch from 
the dining room that opened out on it by a series of 
French doors. Automobiles met the trains and took the 
city guests to the station. The men wore flannels and 
the girls short dainty wash frocks at the dance and all had 
a glorious time. 

A Floral Card Party 

During the summer, whether at the seashore or moun- 
tain, people are apt to keep in mind their special charity 
(and every woman has one these days). Card parties 
seem to be the most popular way of making money, and 
this method has proved not only pretty but successful. 
A floral card party is carried out by giving prizes of 
potted plants and keeping the score with flowers, either 
carnations, roses or some blossom that does not wilt 
quickly. 

Invitations are sent for a "floral progressive card 
party" on cards cut in the shape of a flower. Jonquils, 
tulips, marguerites and roses lend themselves admirably 
to the scheme. To the winners pass vases containing the 
score flowers. At the finish every one will possess at 
least one or more of the fragrant reminders of their good 
luck. The ice cream may be moulded in floral shapes, 
and the small cakes ornamented with candy roses; crys- 
tallized violets and rose leaves may be mixed with the 
bonbons. Each guest is supposed to contribute 25 or 50 
cents, whichever sum is agreed upon, to the charity for 
which the party is given. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

A Knock-About Party 

*'Wear a knock-about suit, a broad brim hat and stout 
shoes and come to my house Tuesday at five p. m/' Such 
were the characteristic notes sent to a dozen friends, six 
boys and six girls. Big sister was the chaperon, and 
what a fine one she made. When all had arrived cups of 
iced bouillon were served with hot wafers; and soon a 
hay rack appeared, drawn by two stout horses. Horns 
were provided, and away they went on a four-mile ride 
to the side of an inland lake, where a fish supper was 
provided at a nearby farmhouse; then a moonlight row 
on the lake, and the homeward journey to the tune of 
college songs accompanied by a guitar and banjo played 
by two of the boys. Safely back by 10:30, refresh- 
ments consisting of watermelon and ginger ale were 
served by the hospitable mother; and all toasted marsh- 
mallows over tiny pink candles, which were fastened by 
a drop of wax to pink plates; toothpicks were used to 
hold the sweets and they puffed beautifully over the pink 
flames. All declared that it was the very best party ever, 
and all welcomed the novelty and informality of the 
affair. 

A Golf Luncheon 

A MINIATURE links was the decorative scheme in the 
centre of the table, golf bags and sticks were the personal 
souvenirs at each place, and the guests came directly from 
a morning game, so were hungry for the plain but appe- 
tizing menu. The maid serving had her cap adorned 
with the colors of the club to which all belonged, and 
candy was made in round balls. Iced bouillon was served 
first, followed by cold tongue and jellied chicken, hot 
rolls, shoestring potatoes, asparagus salad, bar-le-duc 
and cheese. Chocolate ice cream was served in ball 
moulds, and the cakes were sponge drops rolled in grated 
cocoanut. 

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CHAPTER VHL— PASTIMES FOR AUGUST 

Below-Zero Luncheon 

THE hostess issued her invitations on blue-white 
cards, the letters outlined with diamond dust. She 
did this by writing with a heavy pen in gilt ink, then 
went over the letters with liquid glue, then dipped the 
card in the diamond dust and the sparkles adhered to the 
glue. A polar bear clasping a thermometer which regis- 
tered "lo below" was in the corner of the card. "Please 
wear a white frock" was in the lower left-hand corner. 
On arriving, iced grape juice with a dash of lemon 
was served. In a few moments the dining-room doors 
were opened, revealing the coolest place imaginable. The 
chairs were covered with white cotton cloth, the curtains 
were white and the floor had been covered with sheets 
tightly stretched and fastened down with large tacks. 
A huge cake of ice was the centrepiece, surmounted by a 
group of toy polar bears. Ferns and vines were massed 
about the base. Two small globes of goldfish were on 
either side. The candles were white, also the shades. 
Diamond dust glistened on the tablecloth and glass icicles 
hung from the chandeliers, while the dearest of tiny dolls 
drew sleds inscribed with the name of each guest, forming 
the place cards. 

Then a delicious white menu was served — first iced 
bouillon in glasses, cold breast of chicken, Saratoga 
chips, baking-powder biscuit, pear and pineapple salad 
with whipped cream dressing, iced tea and cantaloupe, 
filled with vanilla cream completed this feast, with the 
usual accessories of nuts, white French bonbons and 

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Party Pastimes for the 

individual cases, and the most delicious watermelon pre- 
serves. The guests were asked to relate the coldest 
experience they had ever had. There were large ther- 
mometers around the room with the mercury down below 
y zero. 

A Sylvan Party 

"Maid Marian requests your presence under the Green- 
wood Tree at three o'clock on Saturday. If it rains the 
party will be in the house.'' 

A dozen children were the recipients of the above 
invitations, and not one sent regrets. On the eventful 
day it did not rain, and the young hostess, aged seven, 
awaited her guests in a perfect fairy bower. Her elder 
sister had been deeply interested in fairy stories, and 
this really unique affair was the result. 

Lanterns and paper chains such as children make in 
kindergarten were interlaced from tree to tree, and there 
were quantities of wild flowers arranged in tubs and 
crocks. The entire yard was transformed into a perfect 
bower, and the mystery that pervaded everything was 
delicious to the children. After a number of pretty 
games and dances done to music (the piano had been 
moved close to an open window for the occasion) a 
golden wand (father's cane wrapped in gilt paper) was 
handed to each child in turn. 

On a fine old maple tree this placard was found : 

These branches are laden 
With treasures for maidens; 
Strike with your wand 
The fairies'll respond. 

A tree close by said : 

High in this tree 
Treasures you'll see 
For good little boys 
There are all sorts of toys. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

Tied to the branches of these trees there were favors 
wrapped and fastened with gay narrow ribbons. The 
children pointed to the parcel they wished for their own 
and the fairy god-mother proceeded to cut it down with 
her magic scissors. 

But the serving of refreshments was the best of all. 

An awning was pulled aside and there were two long 

tables with spoons, plates, and big platters containing 

what proved to be a reserve supply of stuffed eggs and 

sandwiches. Then the good fairy pointed to a sign on 

the tree, whose branches overhung the supper table, 

which said: 

Under this tree great doings there'll be; 
Look sharp for cookies and eggs you'll see. 
Candy and nuts and oranges, too, 
Are up there waiting for you and for you. 

And sure enough, hanging to the low bough were 
sandwiches, hard-boiled eggs, animal cookies, doughnuts, 
stick candy, bags of nuts and an orange for each guest. 
Paper napkins fluttered in reach of all and a small tree 
near by had twelve bright tin cups attached to it with the 
following legend: 

If thirsty you are 
And come from afar, 
Take a cup from this tree, 
Walk first to the left, 
And then to the right, 
A well of clear water, 
Will rise to your sight. 

Sure enough, there was the water-cooler on a fern- 
decked table, but, instead of water, it contained lemonade. 
The children were wild with delight and voted "Maid 
Marian's" party the very best ever. 

An Indian Dinner Party 

Three couples who summer in the far northern woods 
were the recipients of this novel dinner, given by a 

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Party Pastimes for the 

bachelor who had been their guest during several seasons. 
The invitations were on birch bark, with an Indian tepee 
done in the corner, and a camp fire. The envelope was 
also of birch bark, but inclosed in white ones to protect 
in the mail. The dining-room was ornamented with 
Indian products — Navajo blankets on the floor, on the 
walls fine specimens of pottery and baskets gathered 
from the West and from Alaska. The centrepiece was a 
most realistic tepee, with braves and squaws and children, 
not forgetting a dog or two. The place cards were 
papooses, to which the names were attached by bead 
strings. The initials were worked on birch bark in porcu- 
pine quills. Bonbons and salted nuts were in tiny Indian 
baskets at each place. They were taken as souvenirs. At 
each end of the table were large birch-bark canoes filled 
with flowers and vines. I give the menu, which was 
written on an Indian postcard: 

Squaw Soup (Bouillon). 

Wigwam Croquettes (Fish). 

Chicken a la Canoe. 

Saddle of Mutton. 

Choctaw Peas. Apache Gravy. 

Arrowhead Potatoes. 

Calumet Squabs. 

Papoose Rolls. Wikiup Salad (Roman). 

Prune Sioux (Feather Cream). 

Hiawatha Cakes. Indian Punch. 

Grasshopper Cheese. Tomahawk (Cookies). 

For a Beach Party 

Here are some practical suggestions for a beach or 
shore party, to be given either by moonlight or as a 
regular supper to be served at six o'clock: Driftwood 
in abundance must be at hand and a huge fire built. 
When the coals are just right, put in good-sized potatoes 
to roast, and also ears of green sweet-corn. There may 
be fish to be broiled. If so, the meal will be an ideal one. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

Sandwiches, devilled e^^s, and salad will be forth- 
coming from pasteboard boxes. A supply of paper dishes 
and napkins will complete the details for this simple but 
delicious repast. Provide squares of butter for the pota- 
toes and eat with a spoon. Have marshmallows and 
some long, clean sticks for roasting. These will make 
the dessert. Much sweet stuff is always out of place 
for a meal of this kind, although doughnuts arc generally 
enjoyed by the masculine mem])ers of the party. Sweet 
potatoes may also be roasted, but they burn quickly and 
require careful watching. 

Banjos, guitars, or mandolins, with the good old college 
songs are always a fitting accompaniment to a beach 
party. Steamer rugs, common sofa pillows, and extra 
wraps will be provided by the ever-thoughtful chaperon. 

An Orchard Party 

We had taken what was practically an abandoned farm 
for the summer and were meditating how to entertain 
our city friends in some rather unusual way, when Polly 
came to the rescue and said, ''Let's have an Orchard 
party.'' So the artist of the family did lovely invitations, 
with apple trees as the decorative scheme. We had four 
small tables each with a rustic basket for the centrepiece 
filled with field wild-flowers. The ])lace cards were made 
from squares of birch bark, and the joke favors were 
wrapped in yellow tissue paper and tied to the trees, from 
which they were cut by the guests. Then we sent to town 
and got fruit-shaped candy boxes, which were strung at 
intervals on yellow cord after the method of the old but 
always funny cobweb parties, and stretched these strings 
over a good part of the orchard. The hunt after the 
luncheon for the ''fruit'' added much to the merriment. 
Sometimes it was necessary to climb up a ladder con- 
veniently placed under a tree to reach the "fruit," which 

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Party Pastimes for the 

was just out of reach, and sometimes a rail fence had to 
be climbed. The guests were all told to wear tub suits, 
and broad brimmed straw hats were provided. 

Picnic Parties 

Picnics are quite the proper thing these days. We 
are all coming to live in the open and gratify this longing 
according to the opportunities and invitations within our 
reach. Of course, the picnic de luxe is when one goes 
in magnificent high-grade car and the inner man is satis- 
fied by the contents of a luxuriously equipped wicker 
chest, which contains all the appointments necessary to 
a perfectly served meal. The hostess brews a cheering 
cup from her English tea basket; a folding table and 
chairs are set up ; with the helpful thermos bottle, cooling 
drinks are forthcoming, and a delightful repast is enjoyed 
many miles from the starting-point. 

Every one may indulge in some sort of outdoor meals ; 
even the back porches of apartments have been changed 
into charming eating-places by the means of awnings, 
screens, rapidly growing vines and window boxes, each 
article being neatly wrapped in waxed paper. For a few 
cents paper sets, consisting of table cloths, napkins and 
plates, may be purchased, also paper drinking cups, so 
there will be very little to carry home. 

An outing club of young people has simplified matters 
by each member owning a tin plate, knife, fork, and 
spoon and cup, which are marked with the owner's 
initials. All are tied together and left at the house nearest 
to the shore, where all gather for the start to the beach 
parties which are so popular. There is a chaperon pro- 
vided by the hostess, and such merry times as these lads 
and lasses have ! Sometimes they go bathing ; there is 
always some unusual feature planned. If beach or woods 
are not accessible, try having a picnic in the back yard; 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

it is really a very good substitute, and has the advantage 
of home near and no long journey before one can seek 
the downy couch and sweet repose, which is always wel- 
come after outdoor doings. 

At a Honey Tea 

As EXPERTS claim that the best honey is made from 
clover, the centrepiece was a great bowl filled with red 
and white clovers. The place cards were decorated with 
clovers, around which bees hovered in the most realistic 
manner. Honey was used for sweetening the tea, and 
milk was served with delicious hot biscuit, also muffins, a 
delightful accompaniment to the golden honey in the 
comb. 

On the guest of honor's card was written: ^'Sweeter 
than honey and the honey-comb.'' Refreshments were 
served on the porch, and the guests brought their fancy 
work, as the invitations said "Thimbles." '^ 

An Old-Time Rag Bee 

A HOSTESS who combined a good time with getting her 

rags cut and sewed for bedroom rugs for her new house 

issued the following invitation to a dozen of her intimate 

friends : 

Come to ye 

old-fashioned homestead 

for a 

rag-cutting at five o'clock. 

Come prepared for your work with 

scissors and aprons. 

Supper will be served at seven o'clock. 

Ye husbands have an invite to supper. 

These were despatched by messenger, and they were 
sealed with a big dab of red wax and did not have 
envelopes, being carefully folded to represent them. 
Bunches of herbs and strings of dried apples decorated 

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Party Pastimes for the 

the rooms, and patch-work quilts furnished the draperies. 
Each lady was provided with a basket of rags and the 
one who sewed the largest ball was awarded a prize of 
a pumpkin pie. Supper was served from a candle- 
lighted table and consisted of brown bread, rolls, cold 
ham, Boston baked beans, chicken salad, catchup, pickles, 
currant and apple jellies, crullers, spice cake, with cot- 
tage cheese, fruit, nuts, and coffee. 

Afterwards, old-fashioned games like backgammon, 
checkers and bezique were played. 

Early Morning Bird Party 

A HOSTESS in a near-by suburb gave this party, which 
was novel and hugely enjoyed by those who participated. 
The hour was half-after five in the morning, and the 
invitations contained a time table with the train marked 
that those who accepted must take. At the station they 
were met by" a bus and conveyed to the house, where 
coffee and rolls were served on the porch. Then an 
hour was spent in the woods adjacent to the grounds 
where the birds congregate for their early matins. 

The hostess had a book describing birds, their habits 
and their notes, which was used as reference. A prize 
was awarded to the person who knew the names of 
the most birds, one to the person who discovered the 
greatest variety, and one to the guest who counted the 
most nests. An hour was spent in this way and then all 
returned to the house, where a perfectly delicious break- 
fast was served, beginning with fruit and ending with 
waffles and maple syrup. 

A Lawn Bridge Party 

Lawn fetes are very popular. A delightful bridge 
party was just given with ten tables scattered over the 
perfectly cut lawn that stretched at the front and side 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

of the house. The entire color scheme was in yellow, the 
gorgeous golden glow being in evidence everywhere. 
The tables were covered with white, they had very nar- 
row yellow ribbons across the corners to hold the table 
numbers, pencils (of yellow) and the score cards, which 
were decorated with sunflowers. There were five prizes, 
all very beautiful, being a white and gold plate, a cup 
and saucer, sugar and creamer, and a comport in glass 
with gilt decorations. Refreshments were served on the 
card tables, and consisted of orange ice in tall glasses, 
the stems twined with asparagus ferns; the cakes were 
card-shaped, iced in white with spots in yellow. The 
bonbons were orange and lemon quarters, glaces. There 
were two hostesses who wore charming gowns of yel- 
low. During the games glasses of lemonade containing 
slices of orange were passed on glass trays. 



A Sand Pile Party 

An innovation in children's parties was started by a 
mother of three, whose babies clearly loved company. 
She sent cards illustrated with "sunbonnet'' babies asking 
a dozen children to come in their ''rompers" from three 
to five. On a bright Saturday afternoon the merry 
throng appeared to find a load of delightfully clean sand ; 
a set of sand toys for each child and a pail and shovel. 
There was a low table, a tub of water with which to mix 
the sand to the right consistency for pies; spoons, cake 
tins, and shakers to sprinkle "sugar*' and *'salt." Oh 
joy, there was a dish of flour for icing. 

It was the j oiliest, happiest party imaginable. Sand- 
wiches, ice cream, cake (angel food) and lemonade were 
served and each child took home the sand toys for 
souvenirs, including the shovel and pail. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

Progressive Dinner on August Twenty-Sixth 

There were six couples who "bridged" together, 
golfed together, and shared each other's joys and sorrows 
for at least ten years. Then the parting of the ways 
came and the little coterie was broken up. They gave 
this affair at their last party: 

PROGRESSIVE DINNER MENU 

6 130 p. m. — Canapes Mrs. B. 

(Address written in full.) 
7 :oo p. m. — Soup Crecy Mrs. H. 

(Address.) 
7:30 p. m.— Fish Mrs. D. 

(Address.) 
8:00 p. m. — Meat Mrs. S. 

(Address.) 
8 :45 p. m. — Salad Mrs. A. 

(Address.) 
9 :30 p. m. — Dessert Mrs. K. 

(Address.) 
10 :i5 p. m. — Walnuts and wine Mrs. F. 

(Address.) 

Probably not many of us remember our history well 
enough to recall that August 26 is the anniversary of the 
battle of Crecy, but the ''soup'' hostess was a loyal little 
English woman who always served Crecy soup on this 
day. King Edward VIL, when he was the prince of 
Wales, also commemorated this day by insisting upon 
Crecy soup being served to him in honor of his illustrious 
ancester, the Black Prince. 

I give the recipe, as it is a distinct novelty and used 
by many patriotic English families on this date: 

The basis is carrots, young and fresh. First, slice 
rather thin, then fry a dozen of them with one sliced 
onion, one new turnip, diced small ; use an ounce of butter 
and an ounce of finely shredded bacon. Add a bay leaf, 
a tablespoon of finely minced parsley and a little sweet 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

marjoram. When the vegetables begin to brown reduce 
the heat, stir to prevent burning, and in about ten minutes 
add a quart of rich beef stock and simmer for two hours. 
Strain before serving and add a dash of nutmeg. 

An Automobile Card Party 

A HOSTESS who was a member of a country club enter- 
tained at dinner and then played cards with these novel 
settings. In the first place the invitations were decorated 
with tiny red autos and her car took the guests to the 
club ; as it held seven, the driver m.ade four trips with a 
merry load each time. 

The dinner table was in shape of a Maltese cross, 
with the centrepiece a large auto made by a confectioner 
and filled with flowers. The place cards were auto candy 
boxes and even the playing cards had automobiles on the 
backs. Score cards were ornamented in a like manner. 
The prizes consisted of an auto veil, cup in case for long 
country runs, picnic set, mechanical toy in form of an 
automobile for the man who was awarded the consolation 
prize. 

It was the last of August, and peaches were in their 
prime; the dessert was ice cream moulded into exact 
productions of the real fruit ; in fact, the stem and leaves 
were right off the trees. 



T15 



Party Pastimes for the 



CHAPTER IX.— PASTIMES FOR 
SEPTEMBER 

REMEMBER that this month claims the sapphire 
for its stone, the morning glory for its flower, and 
it is considered a most auspicious month for mar- 
riages. Here is a verselet for a maiden who has a 
birthday in September's thirty days: 

A maiden born when September leaves 
Are rustling in September breeze, 
A sapphire on her brow should bind; 
'Twill cure diseases of the mind. 

The sixteenth, eighteenth and twentieth are considered 

especially happy wedding-days; an old saying goes: 

Married in September's golden glow, 
Smooth and serene your life will flow. 

A Wild Aster Luncheon 

The lovely wild aster furnished the keynote to one 
of the prettiest luncheons I ever attended. This dainty 
flower is very common, and really it is very beautiful. 
With it always comes the golden-rod, and they grow 
usually in close proximity. For a table centrepiece there 
was a low green pottery bowl containing a flower-holder, 
so that the blossoms branched out in a charming man- 
ner. The doilies were white, with finger bowl and 
tumbler doilies having embroidered designs in lavender. 
First we had iced grape- juice in tall glasses resting on 
doilies of grape leaves. Then there was the usual 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

luncheon menu with a delicious grape- juice sherbet for 
dessert, decorated with candied violet leaves, the plates 
set in a wreath of asters. The rooms were lavishly dec- 
orated with golden rod, and the combination of lavender 
asters and the brilliant yellow was very effective. 

A "Labor Day" Luncheon 

The hostess, being adroit with her pen, decorated each 
invitation with a girl in some act of household work, and 
besides this there was nothing but the day and date with 
the quotation: "Learn to labor and to wait"; also the 
request to wear a wash gown. 

When the guests arrived they were given aprons all 
finished except the strings, which were of ribbon. This 
sewing done, the first labor was accomplished. Bows to 
match the apron strings were worn in the hair, a long 
hairpin being thrust through each to keep it in place. 

The table centrepiece was a doll's wash tub filled with 
asters ; the place cards were dustpans lettered in gold tied 
to the cutest of brooms. Before the dessert, each guest 
brushed her own crumbs with her broom and dustpan. 
And the dessert — it was the best part of all. There were 
eight guests, and four wee ice-cream freezers were 
brought to the table. Four of the guests "froze" and 
four concocted the cream, put in the ice, salt, etc. It all 
went well, the cream being ready to eat in less than 
fifteen minutes. Then the coflfee; it was ground and 
made at the table, poured into the individual pots, and 
each guest served herself in an after-dinner cup at her 
place. 

An interesting magazine article on the "revival of the 
household arts" was a feature of the after-luncheon 
entertainment and the hostess displayed some fine speci- 
mens of "before the war" needle work which she has 
gathered from various parts of the South. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

Each guest was asked to tell her favorite occupation 
and the best method of perfecting it. 

A Harvest Home Supper 

A HARVEST home supper — that is the proper thing this 
month. Hostesses who rejoice in country houses always 
wind up the season with one of these delightful affairs. 
Perhaps the invitations say ''En costume/' and then all 
the guests go in country guise, hayseeds from Podunk 
and gay farmer lads and lasses all gather in one big 
frolic. 

Usually a hay wagon with four horses is sent to meet 
the guests, and tin horns are provided for the men with 
which to wind a merry tune as the load is conveyed along 
the road. After dancing, supper is served, and the cere- 
mony of bringing in the last sheaf of wheat is some- 
times observed by people who love to adhere to all the 
dear old customs of the past. 

At such a dinner, which is to be given the last of the 
month, everything served on the table is to be home 
grown ; and the favors, of which I had a glimpse, are all 
symbolic of gardening or farm work. 

The centrepiece is to be a miniature load of hay drawn 
by three horses abreast, and there is to be a real barn 
with the fascinating toy animals in the barnyard. The 
hostess said she spent nearly an entire day in search of 
these novelties with which to make her dinner complete. 

The guests are asked to come promptly at five, and 
there is to be a drive over the farm before sitting down 
to the table at six o'clock. In the invitation a time table 
was enclosed with the train to be taken marked, and it 
was also added that the guests were to come in business 
suits. 

A recipient of one of these much-desired "invites" 
said: "There is a woman after my own heart; she never 

Ii8 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

leaves a fellow in doubt as to just what to do/' Many 
of us might take the hint and remember to be more 
explicit. 

A Novel Nut Card Party 

A HOSTESS wishing to add a touch of novelty to her 
afternoon card party, which was to be given upon the 
broad enclosed porch, did so in this manner : She issued 
invitations enclosed inside an English walnut shell ; these 
were sent by messenger to the nearby places and put in 
tiny boxes and sent by mail to the town guests. The 
score cards were nut shaped and the number of games 
won was kept by dropping nuts into small silk bags of 
nut-brown satin. Cards backed with acorns were used. 
For refreshments, nut sandwiches, with chicken salad, 
olives, and cheese nuts were served with nut ice cream 
and nut cake. Glaced nuts were the sweet, and salted 
nuts were passed. 

The prizes, of which there were four, were a nut- 
shaped silver vanity box, a nut-shaped thimble case, a 
fancy box filled with glaced nuts, and a box of candies 
in exact shape of peanuts. It is astonishing how many 
appropriate articles may be found to use at a nut party. 

A September Luncheon 

This is such a glorious month! One feels that it is 
just good to be alive, and to be permitted to help others 
plan for happy times is certainly a delight and privilege 
much appreciated. A hostess who returned from a sum- 
mer abroad gave this pretty affair, the place cards bear- 
ing this appropriate verse: 

O sweet September, thy first breezes bring 

The dry leafs rustle and the squirrel's laughter, 

The cool fresh air whence health and vigor spring, 
And promise of exceeding joy hereafter. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

The cards were decorated with a tracery in gold, 
studded with bkie dots, supposed to be sapphires, the 
birth stone for this month. The table was bare, with a 
wonderful set of blue doilies and centrepiece done by 
the Russian peasant women. Black-eyed Susans, now in 
their prime, were the only flowers in evidence, and they 
fairly made the rooms blaze with gorgeous colorings — 
"concentrated sunshine," some one has aptly called them. 

The piece de resistance was what the hostess called 
scrapple, and was so delicious she had to give the recipe, 
which follows: One pound of round steak, one pound 
of fresh pork, put through the chopper, boiled until done 
and enough water left to take up cornmeal to the mush 
consistency. Mould in a pan over night. Slice thin, dip 
in cornmeal and fry in hot lard or bacon grease. The 
platter was garnished with parsley and deviled eggs. 

Then there were escalloped tomatoes and green pep- 
pers in ramekin, and individual peach shortcake was the 
dessert. 

A novel feature was that four guests out of the eight 
were born in September. 

A Shell Party 

This party may be carried out at the seashore, or after 
returning with a bountiful supply of shells, which are 
among the most wonderful of nature's creations. 

The affair I have in mind was given for a ten-year-old 
daughter to celebrate her birthday. Invitations were 
issued written on little clam shells, scrubbed clean; the 
lettering was also clear and distinct. 

Fish nets, crab nets, fishing poles of bamboo, with 
flags and boat pennants made the decorations. 

The table was lovely with a huge oval pan (made by 
tinsmith) in the centre, real sand made a beach with 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

tiny shells; at the corners there are large conch shells 
filled with flowers and vines. 

On the lake or sea were tiny boats, with wee dolls for 
sailors. For place cards there were candy boxes in 
shape of oysters, crabs, lobsters, and fish — filled with 
hard candies in exact shape of shells. 

Then there was a basket filled with rare shells from 
all parts of the globe, which were examined by the 
guests and explained to them by the young hostess' aunt, 
who had collected them, also rare bits of coral. 

For the older children there was a contest to which the 
answers were all names of fishes. 

The prize was a glass globe filled with gold fish. 

When refreshments were served, salted almonds were 
on mussel shells. The plates were large, round, almost 
flat shells, which came from the Pacific coast. Creamed 
salmon was served hot in shell ramekins; these shells 
were fluted and came from Florida. ''Potatoes on the 
half-sheir' were scooped out baked potatoes on large 
clam shells. Then, of course, there was ice cream and a 
candle-lighted cake, each candle in a little shell anchored 
in the icing. A pretty contest was stringing the beautiful 
little opalescent shells that come from Hawaii and are 
used so effectively for necklaces. The smaller children 
had a fish pond for their amusement. 

Two Outdoor Games 

These games are just the thing for outdoor parties, 
which may be given all the month of September. The 
first is called ''Deerfoot." 

All the players are different kinds of deer : Reindeer, 
elk, moose, red deer, fallow deer or mule deer, antelope, 
and fawns. For the forest trees have pieces of paper 
held to the ground with sharpened sticks, or real trees 
if they are available. There must be one fewer of trees 

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Party Pastimes for the 

than of deer. The extra deer stands in the middle of 
the ''forest/' A leader is chosen by popular vote or by 
the host, and all follow him, skipping lightly around the 
''forest/' Suddenly the deer in the centre calls "Deer- 
foot" — and all run rapidly to a tree for shelter. Of 
course the deer in the middle is after a tree, too. The 
deer who fails to find a tree is called a snail and takes 
his place in the centre and the game proceeds. 

The Wigwam 

Half of the players hide and have ten minutes to make 
their trail with cut papers (confetti) or corn. Each 
Indian goes a different way. Then at the expiration 
of the time limit the other players, who are "white men," 
go on the trail and the game is to see who can return 
to the wigwam first with his Indian. 

While these are supposed to be boys' games, girls 
enjoy them too. I speak from experience, for it was the 
delight of my childhood days to "play Indian," and I still 
thrill with genuine terror when I think of my fear of 
being scalped. 



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Up-to-Date Hostess 



CHAPTER X -PASTIMES FOR OCTOBER 

Maud MuUer Party 

DURING the golden October days, outdoor and 
indoor parties combined are quite the thing. A 
hostess noted for her originaHty invited her friends 
to a Maud Muller party. The invitations said : ^'Informal ; 
please come in country costumes." As she lived in a 
suburb, time tables were inclosed with the train marked 
that she wished them to take. The hour was five, and a 
merry throng took the four o'clock train. An immense 
hay wagon was at the station, wath the splendid big horses 
gayly decorated and driven by the regular farm men 
instead of the liveried coachman and footman. There 
were horns for the men, and the hostess awaited them 
on the steps of the porte cochere. Big straw hats were 
given to the men, with red ribbons, and the girls had 
blue ones. Rakes with gilt handles were given the girls, 
who were thus attired as **Maud Mullers,'' and went forth 
to rake the hay on this charming summer day which 
had gotten by mistake into the fall calendar. 

The girl who made the largest stack in ten minutes 
was awarded a prize ; also there was a prize for the neat- 
est stack. The men superintended this, and then a plough 
was brought for the men to try their skill, with prizes 
for the straightest row, and for the one made in the 
quickest time. By this time twilight was falling and 
guests watched the chickens fed and the cows milked. 
Then all adjourned to the dining-room, where a sumptu- 
ous supper was served, everything except the meats 

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Party Pastimes for the 

being a product of the place. The decorations were most 
unique, being likewise home productions. Gourds, small 
squashes, and pumpkins were converted into most attract- 
ive flower holders, and the flowers were wild purple 
asters and golden rod, the combination being a most 
happy one. At half -after eight the hay wagon came to 
the door and a drive of an hour was taken over the 
hardest of country roads and then back to the station 
in time for the ten o'clock train. Afterwards in talking 
it over we all agreed that our hostess was so successful 
because her entertainments were so simple and she so 
natural and unaffected. Yet she could and sometimes 
did entertain formally and had plenty of money to 
spend; but her favorite way was to do things on the 
spur of the moment, and she always made use of the 
things that were in season. 

She also had the art of always assembling just the 
right people together, and always remembered who hated 
'"bridge," who didn't like golf, and who loathed to dress 
for a formal dinner party. On the quiet, I think she 
keeps a book with the peculiarities of each one of her 
friends carefully jotted down, just when she entertained 
them, and just what she served on each occasion. At 
least that is the way one of the best entertainers I ever 
knew does, and it is worth considering. 

An October Luncheon 

This charming October luncheon was the talk of those 
fortunate enough to attend. There were thirty guests 
seated at small tables throughout the rooms. The decora- 
tions were perfectly gorgeous and all supplied from the 
garden of the hostess and the woods near by. First there 
were quantities of foliage turned into vivid reds and 
browns, with dashes of yellow ; there was a screen made 
of woodbine, the leaves of which are so beautiful now. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

Then there were masses of salvia and clusters of moun- 
tain-ash berries. All exclaimed when they entered the 
rooms, "How lovely!" At the head of each place card 
was the following verse written in gold ink, and the 
decorations were scarlet and purple berries, which were 
cut out at top and side of card, as if growing: 

My ornaments are fruits, my garments leaves, 
Woven like cloth of gold and crimson dyed; 

I do not boast the harvesting of sheaves, 
O'er orchards and o'er vineyards I preside. 

An immense brown basket of fruit was passed with 
the dessert course, the handle wound with vines and a 
huge bow of green, red and yellow. After the luncheon 
they played cards ; the prizes were unusual from the fact 
that the hostess had made them all during the summer, 
all from brown linen worked in the autumn shades. 
There were two bags, a runner for the table and a lovely 
oblong pillow. On each table there was a little basket 
filled with candies. Grape juice was served during the 
game, each glass on a doily of grape leaves. The effect 
was cool and the grape juice most refreshing. 

An Autumn Supper 

This affair was really charming, inasmuch as the 
hostess did not attempt the impossible in any way. The 
gorgeous fall flowers and leaves were used everywhere 
as decorations — feathery golden rod, asters, and a fine 
white blossom that grows in profusion at this season. 
The table centrepiece was a large basket filled with fruits 
— grapes of all varieties, plums, peaches, pears, bananas 
and apples. The supper delighted every one — fried 
chicken, sweet potatoes, corn pudding, pickled peaches, 
jelly, hot biscuits, stuffed tomatoes for a salad, and float- 
ing island in tall slender glasses, capped by a Maraschino 

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Party Pastimes for the 

cherry. There were old-fashioned peppermint wafers 
and iced tea or hot, as one preferred. 

The hour for serving was half after six and there were 
individual candles at each place with the overhead light 
turned low. The place cards had quaint sentiments on 
them regarding the passing of summer. A chrysanthe- 
mum was thrust through the corner of each card. 

There was no tablecloth. The table was laid with 
place doilies and a centrepiece. 

For AUhallow Eve 

Since the beginning of things there has been a belief 
in the subtle power of mysterious spells and omens in 
affairs of the heart. We find Othello, the Moor, winning 
fair Desdemona by the aid of spells ; and medicines and 
charms of all kinds were recognized assistants in deter- 
mining who was to be the future partner in life. 

In the present day Hallow Eve is the proper time for 
all sorts of frolics, and here is the lemon test for the 
girl who desires to know if she shall ever marry. Take 
the rind of two lemons, carry in the pockets all day 
(what if *'she" hasn't a pocket?) and at night rub the 
rind on the four posts of the bed. In her dreams a man 
will appear to her who will be the future husband. If 
no man comes, the lemon test will doubtless be pro- 
nounced a failure. If a choice must be made between 
two lovers, take two apple seeds and stick one on each 
cheek, the one sticking the longest will indicate the man 
to choose. 

The thing to be careful about is not to forget what 
names are given each seed. 

We all know the old trick in which the girl had to 
take down her hair exactly at midnight and look steadily 
into the mirror by the light of one candle. Before the 
clock had finished striking twelve the future husband 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

was supposed to look over her shoulder into the glass. 

An old gentleman told me that when he was a boy Hal- 
lowe'en was often called "cabbage'' night, perhaps from 
the fact that one of the ways of finding one's true love 
is to go into a cabbage patch and pull ofif the heads, those 
having long, straight roots signifying life partners of fine 
character, with the course of true love running straight 
and true ; but if a crooked root comes up the reverse is 
to be expected. Fate decrees that only one cabbage may 
tell the story of each one's future. 

With the cabbage idea for a basis, a hostess may evolve 
a unique party. Many possibilities lie within a cabbage 
for decoration and the menu. Take great big heads, 
carefully remove the inside, leaving a bowl made from 
the outer leaves and tie around jardinieres and flower 
pots, using one for a table centrepiece filled with 
fruits and field berries like mountain ash, barberry and 
cranberry. 

Picture frames and doorways may be cleverly outlined 
with cabbage leaves, and electric light shades may be 
made from them. If there are overhead chandeliers 
hanging from the middle of the ceiling, dangle the very 
smallest cabbages head down. If possible use yellow 
linen place doilies, as they look well with the cabbages. 
Have tiny cabbage bonbon holders at each place made 
from several shades of crepe paper, and have place cards 
cut out cabbage-shaped, tinted with watercolors and the 
names written in gold. 

For the menu there may be cream of cabbage soup, 
fried oysters, and cole slaw, and a salad made from 
unsweetened lemon jelly in which shredded cabbage, 
minced celery, pimentos, and olives are used with a good 
stiff mayonnaise. Ice cream may be served in pretty 
cabbage boxes. If a prize is needed for any game, "Mrs. 
Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch" would be suitable. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

A Cinderella Party for Hallowe'en 

A YOUNG girl anxious to entertain twelve of her mates 
in an unusual way asked them to a ''Cinderella party'' 
by issuing cunning little pumpkin-shaped and pumpkin- 
colored cards bidding them to her house. The six girls 
were told to be there by seven-thirty, and each one firmly 
declined any escort from the six lads. When all the 
girls came they were told to select a hiding-place and 
tell how to get there on a card which was furnished by 
the hostess and taken by her and tied to a little yellow 
pumpkin lantern. When the boys arrived they were told 
to select a lantern, read the instructions upon the card 
and find their Cinderella. Now just imagine the merry 
time these ''princes" had before their lassies were dis- 
covered, and alas — when found each was arrayed in a 
cinder-gray domino and a white mask. 

All went into the big living-room with its many sym- 
bolic decorations; they roasted marshmallows and chest- 
nuts, told stories and did such stunts as separating peas 
from beans, with eyes blindfolded. A prize was given 
the one who had the most beans in ten minutes. 

Presently the fairy godmother entered with a large 
black roasting-pan filled with ashes, in which hidden 
treasures were to be found, all indicative of one's future. 
There were two rings, two thimbles, two buttons, two 
penholders, two small trunks, a heart, and a key. Just 
before midnight the girls went upstairs, and each one 
dropped a ribbon over the banister so it would reach 
the floor below. To the end was attached a doll's slipper. 
Each boy took one and wound up the ribbon till he 
reached the end held by the girl, who threw off her dis- 
guise just on the stroke of twelve. 

The table centrepiece was Jack Horner pumpkin coach 
pie drawn by six toy mice harnessed with red and yellow 
ribbons. The favors were glass slippers filled with Hal- 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

lowe'en candies. Welsh rabbit on toast was served with 
coffee and caviar sherbet. Salted nuts, popcorn, cider, 
olives and raisins were in side dishes. 

A Black Cat Party 

The hostess assured her guests that this ''black cat" 
party was not merely for spinsters. She sent out cards 
in the shape of black cats, the writing being done in 
red ink, and invited her friends to ''Come and find 
something to 'mew' over." 

First, there was a "cat" contest, in which the questions 
were to be answered with words beginning with "cat"; 
then all were invited to participate in a "Cheshire cat 
smiling contest." A prize was given to the one whose 
smile measured the largest, and there was an official 
measurer, with his assistant, who took down the names 
and measurements. 

The table centrepiece was a witch's caldron, presided 
over by a circle of witches and ghosts. "Cat-a-corner" 
deviled sandwiches were served with "redhots" in chaf- 
ing dish, with catsup. A cat and a mouse were at each 
place and the candle shades were black cats laced together 
with red and yellow ribbon. 

After refreshments all joined a jolly game of "pussy 

wants a corner." I forgot to say that the big black cat 

■ stuffed was on a stool in the middle of the walk, a huge 

Jack o' Lantern hanging over it and a placard bearing 

the following: 

It is a sure sign of a quarrel if two persons pass on opposite 
sides of an object unless they say "bread and butter." 

A ladder was raised over the front porch so that the 
guests would have to pass under it, and on the top round 
was another cat with this sign : 

Bad luck to pass under this ladder unless you whistle. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

In the dressing-room a black cat perched over the 
mirror bore a reminder like this : ''Two people looking 
in a mirror must smile at each other to avoid bad luck/' 
It is needless to say that this was a jolly party. 

A Witch and Goblin Party 

Children dearly love to dress up, and the party 
described will delight them. Ask the girls to come as 
witches in scarlet frocks or capes, with tall black hats, 
and the boys as goblins. The beloved "brownies" will 
serve as models for the boys' costumes. Just for this one 
occasion set the hours from "nine to twelve,'' for it really 
would not be a true Halloweve party if they could not 
stay until the "clock in the steeple strikes twelve," that 
witching hour when ghosts walk, when cold chills run 
down one's back, and that delicious creepy sensation 
comes when trying the charms that must be done pre- 
cisely at the mysterious midnight hour. It may be a 
little hard on mothers and chaperons, but they must all 
smile and look happy on Hallowe'en night and do their 
part to placate the evil spirits. A cotillion with appro- 
priate favors is the best wind-up for this party ; and the 
guests are supposed to be from twelve to sixteen years 
of age. 

Character Reading 

The following brief resumes taken from the signs 
of the Zodiac may be of assistance in planning for a 
Hallowe'en party. There are twelve signs, each one pos- 
sessing its peculiar characteristics, thus we have twelve 
types of people. Each sign is supposed to cover a period 
of about one month. 

January 21 to February 21. 

Aquarius. — Fond of the theater, gaiety ; good money- 
makers. Loving, devoted natures, nervous temperaments. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

February 21 to March 21. 

Pisces. — Not confident, over-conscientious, interested 
in physical culture; a fancy for history and mechanics. 
Subject to headaches. 

March 21 to April 20. 

Executive ability, capable of great attainments. In- 
clined to be obstinate. Devoted to music. Illness is 
liable to affect the head. 

April 20 to May 21. 

A winner in all things, strong passions and appetites. 
Self-willed and vindictive. Subject to throat trouble. 

May 21 to June 21. 

Should be a teacher, actor, or actress. Nervous and 
fretful. Unjust in criticism. Artistic to a degree. Sub- 
ject to heart and stomach trouble. 

June 21 to July 22. 

Sympathetic, affectionate, kind. Make excellent 
mothers and fathers. Sensitive. Subject to stomach 
trouble. 

July 22 to August 22. 

Idealizes new acquaintances, afterwards often suffers 
disappointment in finding them untrue. Kind and affec- 
tionate. Liable to indigestion. 

August 22 to September 22. 

Unusual foresight. Selfish. Determined to be the 
ruler. Inclined to be speculative. Fond of home and 
little details. 

September 22 to October 23. 

Good judges of horses. Wonderful foresight. Do- 
mestic in habits. 'Liable to stomach trouble. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

October 23 to November 21. 
Strong of will. Excellent appetite. Silent and inclined 
to be jealous and suspicious. Subject to heart trouble. 

November 21 to December 21. 
Fearless, bold, determined. A true friend. A fierce 
enemy. Subject to rheumatism. 

December 21 to January 21. 
A leader in everything. Practical and of a loving 
disposition. Extravagant in taste and ideas. Inclined 
to nervous diseases. 

The Yarn Charm to Find Partners 

One of the oldest stunts for Hallowe'en was to find 
one's future mate by the aid of a ball of yarn. A maiden 
was to take a ball of yarn and toss it through an open 
window and then hold the end in her hand and walk 
away. If she was to marry within the year, the ball 
would be picked up by the man inside, who began to 
wind up the yarn and thus draw her back to him. A 
young matron should use this method of finding part- 
ners for her Hallowe'en supper, which is to be served at 
eight-thirty. Knowing the preference of her guests, 
she will have the right man for each maid concealed in 
the garage. One at a time the girls will be given a ball 
of yarn, there being one ball for each girl, and she is 
to go alone through the yard, which is to be lighted only 
with "jacks" in the trees. When the man winds up his 
maiden, who is instructed not to drop her end no matter 
what happens, they will go out a rear door of the garage 
and into the house by a side entrance. Then the next 
man is slipped into the hiding-place and another girl 
started to meet her fate. There are to be ten couples, 
so this will add much to the fun and mystery. If the 
details as given here are not practicable, the same scheme 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

may be worked by throwing the ball over a transom or 
over a bannister down stairs. 

Ghosts We All Knov^ 

A HOSTESS noted for her originality gave this party. 
It is rather unusual, and was loads of fun. I give a copy 
of the invitation : 

Yc Witch of Hallowe'en 
Has promised to convene 
The Shades of many Notables 
To meet you Monday e'en. 
We'll look for you, you know, 
To help to make things go, 
And incidentally to meet 
Some Ghosts you're sure to know. 

There were only twenty guests, and over the tele- 
phone the hostess explained that she wished each to come 
dressed to represent some famous person now dead, pan- 
tomime, words, gestures and costume being used in the 
impersonation. Dressed as a witch, the hostess received 
her *'ghosts" in a room draped all in white, even a 
canvas covering the floor. Cathedral candles on mantel, 
piano, and bookcase furnished the light. For a while 
not a word was spoken ; then a little scarlet-dressed imp 
passed slips of paper and white pencils on which the 
ghosts wrote who was who. One ghost represented 
Diogenes vainly looking for an honest man. He carried 
a lantern made from a squash and sadly shook his head. 
There was Cleopatra with an asp ; Shakespeare with a 
huge ruff of white paper; Napoleon in a cocked hat, with 
folded arms; Columbus with a map in his hand; Queen 
Elizabeth and Sir Walter Raleigh in the famous coat and 
pool of water act ; Milton and George Washington, Abra- 
ham Lincoln, and others. The prize to the ghost who 
recognized the greatest number of his fellow shades was 
a handsomely bound copy of John Kendrick Bangs's 

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Party Pastimes for the 

''Ghosts I Have Mot/' A jolly supper, with ghost favors 
at each plate, followed. 

A Hallowe'en Table 

The centre of attraction at most parties is the table, 
and 1 have never seen anything carried out more in the 
spirit of the occasion than this scheme, which was much 
talked about as being the **bcst ever" by those who saw 
it. The centrepiece was an enormous pumpkin with a 
row of candles in the top, where it had been cut almost 
in halves to form a basket with a cleverly cut handle, 
which was twined with vines. It contained a bunch of 
grapes for each person, to which was tied a favor sym- 
bolic of the guest's future life, such as a coin for wealth, 
a pen for a literary career, thimble for spinster, a button 
for a bachelor, etc. 

Over the table, mingled with ferns, leaves, and vines, 
were spiders, toads, glittering silver snakes, owls, cats, 
and quaint brownie figures. These objects were really 
a great attraction as the candle light slione upon them. 
Just try the decorative possibilities in squash, cucumbers, 
gourds, carrots, and pumpkins. They make fine candle 
sticks and lanterns. 

When all were seated, the hostess passed small silk 
bags containing white beans. These were laid out, and 
fortunes told by the following nursery rhyme, using the 
beans instead of buttons. Your fortune will be — 

Rich man. poor man. boiXRarman, thief. 
Doctor, lawyer, merchant, chief. 

Or a 

Rich girl, poor girl, beggar girl, crook. 
School girl, cash girl, servant, cook. 

For the wedding the time will be indicated by — 
This year, next year, some time, no time. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

And the house will be a — 

Big house, little house, hotel, barn. 

To the great surprise of the guests, the first course con- 
sisted of green peas in little bowls, which were eaten 
with butter, salt and pepper. In one bowl was a large 
bean, signifying that the one finding it would be the 
first to marry. This is an English custom and is called 
*'scaddin the peas.'' It is a quaint doing still kept up in 
the north of England. 

Before leaving the table each one received five bay 
leaves to be pinned on the four corners of the pillow 
with one in the centre, each one to receive the name of 
the opposite sex, the one dreamed of would of course 
be the future mate through life. These bay leaves the 
hostess had brought from Florida, pressing them in a 
heavy book and keeping in a cool place. Next, every 
one had to eat a round rosy snow apple and keep the 
seeds, which were snapped between the thumb and fore 
finger, the direction in which they flew being supposed 
to tell in which direction one's true love lived. During 
this test the following jingle was repeated: 

Pippin, pippin, paradise, 

Tell me where my true love lies, 

East, west, north or south. 

After leaving the table each guest took a candle and 
placed it in an open window, first silently naming it. If 
the flame flickers it denotes fickleness, but a clear, bright 
flame augurs well, for love will be like it; if the flame 
goes out all hope dies at the same time. 

A Dear Hunt 

Boys and girls are asked to come separately, the girls 
half an hour earlier than the boys. Each girl was pro- 
vided with a slip of paper or card on which her name 

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Party Pastimes for the 

was written. They were then hidden all over the house, 
in cellar and attic, and when the boys arrived there was 
no sign of them. 

The boys were met at the door by a ghost, who directed 
them to the reception-room. When all had arrived the 
scheme was explained to them and they were told to 
hunt the ''dears.'' As each girl was found she gave up 
the slip of paper to the boy who found her, and in the 
end the boy who had the most slips was awarded the 
prize. 

Then games were played until supper time. The din- 
ing-room was transformed into a forest, with branches 
and leaves and hidden under the leaves were numerous 
pumpkins, in each of which was supper for two. The 
boys were told to find their pumpkins, and inside of each 
was the name of their partner. Every one had to sit on 
the floor to eat. Cider was served in gourds which had 
been hollowed out. 

After supper all were asked upstairs by the two 
^'ghosts." The attic had been transformed to a forest, 
and in the centre was a pool surrounded by death's 
heads, etc. The ''ghosts" presided over this pool. Each 
couple had to go up to the attic alone, promise never 
to reveal what happened, and agree to do as the "ghosts" 
requested. The "ghosts" allowed you to look into the 
pool, drink a mixture of salt and water, and after they 
had muttered over the death's head allowed you to kiss 
it and make a wish. Then each couple had to go down 
the attic stairs backwards and keep still for five minutes, 
during which time the charm worked. 

Jingles for Hallowe'en Invitations 

The witch cat wears its mystic ring, 
The black bat spreads its gruesome wing, 
Hobgoblins weirdly chant and sing 
On Hallowe'en! 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

Come, help us break enchantment's spell, 
Down by the fairies' wishing well, 
Where elves our good-luck fortunes tell 
On Hallowe'en! 

Puck, the sprite, 
Weaves to-night 
Cobwebs bright. 
Come and learn 
Fate's concern 
By the fern ! 

Vampires and jack-o'-lanterns jolly 
Bid you unto All-Hallow's folly ! 
Hither come by dark o' moon ! 
You cannot join the fun too soon. 

On Tuesday night, 

If the moon shines bright, 

Join the ghostly band 

From No Man's Land! 

Feel no alarm ! 

We've found a charm 

To keep off harm ! 



Hist! You are bid 

By elf and sprite 
To learn what's hid 
On nutcrack night ! 
Come when the town clock striketh nine, 
And fun and frolic shall be thine ! 

In a nutshell lies your fate. 
Come and learn it ere too late ! 
Come around on nutcrack night, 
Dressed from top to toe in white. 

Hallowe'en high jinks 
At sign of 
The Jolly Jack-o'-Lanterns ! 
Hallowe'en at midnight 
When the owl hoots. 



Party Pastimes for the 

The Chestnut Lad and the Chestnut Lass 
Will give a roast on Hallowmass ! 
Your fortune they will tell, alas ! 
With applebobs and looking-glass. 
So trip it lightly o'er our grass 
Before the seventh hour shall pass! 

"Hear ye, O hear ye!" 

Jack the Herald cries. 
"Come around on Hallowe'en 

To the great surprise ! 
There'll be fun and impish glee. 
Haste, and join our company." 

Mr. Jack-o'-Lantern 

Requests the pleasure of 

Miss Blank's 

Company at a weird merry-making 

On All-Hallow's Eve, 

Tuesday, the thirty-first of October, 

At half-past seven o'clock. 

At the Old Haunted Barn in 

Hobgoblin Hollow. 

Hallowe'en Masquerade Menu 

Cup of Destiny 

(Bouillon, with spaghetti letters spelling "Wealth," 

"Health," "Travel," "Long Life," etc.) 

Sunken Treasures (Fried Oysters). 

Mystic Mixture (Chicken Salad). 

Oriental Offering (Olives). 

Chills (Ice Cream), Witches' Brew (Coffee). 

Silent Oracle (Hallowe'en cake, with ring, penny, etc.). 

Pomona's Potion (Fruit Punch). 

Fruits of the Forest (Nuts). 

Twists and Turns (Pretzels). 

Magic Circles (Cookies). 

Goblin Gold (Yellow Buttercups). 

Banshee Broth (Clam Bouillon). 
Caldron Compound (Curry of Chicken). 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

Drifted Snow (Mashed Potatoes). 

Garden Emeralds (Peas). 

Orchard Offering (Apple Salad)'. 

Mystic (Tutti Frutti) Jelly 

Witches' Brew (Coffee). 

A Superstitious Dinner 

This scheme is good at any time, as it always makes 
loads of fun, especially if one intends having dinner on 
Hallowe'en. The centrepiece may be of any desired 
flowers in a low bowl which may stand on a round mirror, 
and it may be surrounded by a floral horseshoe. Have 
the name cards in shape of four-leaved clovers, to which 
attach bright new 'lucky pennies.'' Put vermicelli letters 
in the clear bouillon for the first course, each cup having 
"Good Luck" inscribed in tiny initials. With the dessert 
the hostess reads the following jingles, the guests having 
the answers: 

I. 

When foam appears on coffee cup 
Why make haste to gather up; 

(Money.) 

II. 
Why court the dream-god when in bed 
With wedding cake beneath thy head? 

(Dreams come true.) 

III. 
When thirteen sit at table spread 
What awful happening do we dread? 

(A death before the year is ended.) 

IV. 
When with household tasks overwhelming 

One would frown on any more, 
What the penalty for dropping 
Dainty dishcloth on the floor? 

(Unexpected company.) 

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Party Pastimes for the 

V. 

When salt is spilled alas! alack! 
How may we avert the scrap? 

(Throw salt over the left shoulder.) 

VI. 

When double knives are at one place 
And double forks at t'other, 
What doubting may we then look for 
At one time or another? 

(A wedding in the family.) 

VII. 

Why do maidens hesitate 

To take the last piece from the plate ? 

(Be an old maid.) 

VIII. 

When stem of leaf appears in tea 
What good fortune may it be ? 

(A welcome visitor is coming.) 

IX. 

If pack of cards and Bible lie 

Beneath thy head at night, 
What vision will appear in dreams 

To thy astonished sight? 

(Future life partner.) 

X. 

If you should sing before you break your fast 
Why will you rue it ere the day is past? 

(Cry before night.) 
Each guest v^^as asked to relate her favorite supersti- 
tion; also to tell any true mystery tale. 

A Bete Noire Dance 

Did you ever attend a Bete Noire party? Well, they 
are great fun. Of course, every one know^s that ''bete 
noire'' is the French for whatever a person detests or 
cordially hates. So all the guests appeared wearing what 
to them was their greatest horror. There were prizes 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

for the ones who portrayed their bete noire to the best 
advantage. Here are a few of the objects represented, 
and whoever gives an affair may enlarge upon the sug- 
gestions here jotted down in my note book. A dainty 
miss had snakes of all sizes wrapped around her arms, 
her waist, and even in her hair and on her 
slippers. They were of paper and purchased at the 
Japanese counter of a department store. An unmarried 
girl of uncertain age convulsed the crowd when she 
appeared with a fringe of lemons around a green over- 
skirt and passed lemons, which were candy boxes filled 
with candy in exact imitation of lemon quarters. A 
sedate man came wearing a wig of blonde hair and was 
profusely rouged and powdered. One woman wore cigars 
and cigarettes, and one wore mice dangling everywhere. 
A man who created a hearty laugh appeared with small 
sample whisky and beer bottles ; and another masculine 
being noted for his extremely plain dressing had quan- 
tities of paste jewelry, a huge diamond stud and ring. 
After all the dislikes had been examined and discussed 
the articles were removed and placed on a table, where 
they were dispensed as favors in the impromptu cotillon 
which closed the very unique entertainment. The ball- 
room was decorated with lanterns and all sorts of weird 
favors like mechanical spiders, owls, etc. I think such 
an affair would be especially suitable for Hallowe'en. 

A Ghost Party 

This affair makes a most delightful party for the 
thirty-first, full of enjoyment and fun if all the guests 
enter into the spirit as all proper ghosts should do. Issue 
the invitations on black cards with figures outlined on 
them in black ink. In one corner write : "Bring a sheet 
and pillow case." Provide pieces of white cotton cloth 
from which to make masks and plenty of pins both 

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Party Pastimes for the 

safety and otherwise. Then you must have a couple 
of good assistants for both men and women. As the 
guests arrive take one at a time into the dressing room, 
drape the sheet, pin securely, tie with a tape around the 
waist, put on the face mask, snipping the holes for eyes, 
nose and mouth. Then take the pillow, fold it over the 
forehead and pin behind, nun fashion. It only takes a 
few moments to do all this. 

Have your rooms hung with white draperies, use only 
candlelight. Of course the object is to make out who 
is who. Dance the old-fashioned Virginia reel, qua- 
drilles and lancers. Then give each one paper and pencil 
to see who can obtain the most autographs in ten minutes. 
Each person tries to disguise the voice as much as pos- 
sible. The one who gets the most names correctly is 
given a prize. 

After unmasking, fortune-telling may occupy an hour, 
A good palmist may not be procured in a small town, 
but there are so many books on the subject that almost 
any one could study up for the occasion. Cutting a 
mould of flour is always a pretty way of foretelling 
future events. Prepare it by filling a large bowl of pastry 
flour, then turning it out on a platter. In the mould have 
concealed a ring, coin, thimble and a button. Each guest 
is to cut a slice with a dinner knife; the ring signifies 
marriage in a year; coin, means a fortune; the thimble 
and money foretell an unwedded life. 

A wheel of fortune is interesting also, and easily made. 
Take a large piece of pasteboard, make a circle of black 
and then at regular intervals like on a clock face, write 
''journey/' ''success,'' "true love," "early marriage," 
"health," "happiness," etc. Fasten an indicator through 
the cardboard, then by whirling this around the guest's 
fortune is told by the word the indicator stops at or 
nearest. Tea grounds and cards are always fascinating, 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

and it is well to ask one person to be "up'' on these lines, 
for it adds much to the interest if these prognostications 
are made impromptu. 

A Hallowe'en Party 

Hallowe'en is the important day in the social calen- 
dar of our young people, and it surely is the day par 
excellence on which to entertain. 

Invitations written backward will be a novelty and 
mystify the recipients besides giving them some work 
to do before they formulate a reply. Here is a jingle 
to write in this way: 

Hallowe'en comes but once a year, 

Over at my house you will find good cheer; 

I shall certainly expect you at a quarter to eight; 

Later than that ghosts will have fastened the gate. 

Of course the outside envelopes must be properly 
addressed, but inside ^'Miss Mary Brown*' will become 
"Nworb Yram Ssim.'' 

To begin the fun, have a real old-fashioned candy pull ; 
in fact, use the kitchen instead of the drawing-room 
for novelty is what the evening calls for. Then have a 
tub full of water, which shall represent the ''sea of life" ; 
on it launch boats made of English walnut shells, split 
in halves, each bearing a little candle. If the light burns 
brightly and the tiny craft steers away from the other 
boats, has no mishaps from tidal waves, a happy life is 
predicted for the owner; if two boats float side by side, 
life interests will be mutual. If a boat clings to the side 
of the tub, the owner will not go far from home, but if 
it sails out on the sea, a long journey is predicted. Do 
not try to float many boats at a time. 

Get a large bag and in it put as many small bags as 
there are girls present. Let each maiden drav/ one, and 
the contents will determine the occupation of her future 

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Party Pastimes for the 

husband. Here is a list of articles to put in the bag: 
Small bottle, indicating a 'doctor or a druggist ; a tiny 
roll of cloth, a tailor or merchant tailor; an anchor, a 
naval officer; book or pen, indicates a journalist or an 
author; a camera, a photographer, etc. Wind a ball of 
gaily colored twine; in the winding put in a few small 
articles; toss the ball to a person and tell him or her 
that a story must be told while the string is being 
unwound and continue until an article is reached; then 
the ball is tossed to some one else, who must go on with 
the narrative. By this time it will be near midnight and 
time to serve refreshments. 



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CHAPTER XL-PASTIMES FOR 
NOVEMBER 

THANKSGIVING is generally believed to have com- 
menced with the advent of the Pilgrim fathers, 
and is, therefore, a legacy to us from New England. 
But when the true facts in the case come to light we 
find that Thanksgiving Day was first celebrated by Pop- 
ham colonists at Monhegan, who joined in ''Gyving God 
thanks" for their safe arrival and many blessings in the 
ritual laid down in the Thanksgiving service of the 
Church of England prayer book. It is known with what 
antipathy the early Puritans regarded any and all of the 
holy days of the English church, and the celebration of 
such was sternly forbidden in New England. 

How many of us know that days for giving thanks 
were set apart in Europe long before the Reformation 
and were observed by the Church of England many years 
before the Pilgrims landed? 

The first Thanksgiving in this country was not set 
apart as a day of religious observance, but for recreation. 
On the eleventh of December, 162 1, Edward Winslow 
wrote home to England the following very quaint account 
of the week's programme: 

"Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men out 
fowling so we might in a special manner rejoice together after 
we had gathered in the fruits of our labors. The four killed so 
much fowl that with a little help served the company about 
a week. Among other recreations were exercises with our arms. 
Many of the Indians came amongst us, and among them their 
greatest king Massasoit with some ninety men, whom we for 

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Party Pastimes for the 

three days feasted and entertained. They went out and killed 
five deer, which they brought in and bestowed on our governor, 
upon the captains and others." 

So we get a good idea of the hospitality offered in 
those days. We learn, too, from Governor Bradford, 
that wild turkeys were plentiful, so we feel a reasonable 
assurance that the turkey has a long and ancient lineage 
and prestige not to be usurped by any other bird on our 
Thanksgiving Day platter. 

Only fifty-five English-speaking people sat down to the 
first Thanksgiving feast, but the addition of the Indians 
made a goodly company for whom the poor, lonely, and 
homesick women prepared the dinner. There were only 
four of them, with one servant **and a few young maide- 
kins." There is no record to be found of any religious 
worship during this week of feasting. 

In 1628 the second Thanksgiving Day was ordered 
and observed by the Pilgrim fathers. Early Thanks- 
givings are not always celebrated in November nor upon 
Thursday, and it is not until 1677 that we find the first 
printed Thanksgiving proclamation, now owned by the 
Massachusetts Historical Society. It is interesting to 
note that since 1862 the President of the United States 
has set the last Thursday in November to be observed 
as a day of Thanksgiving. And harking back to Pilgrim 
days, what a vast difference : Compare the harvest then 
and the harvest now. Whether our forefathers were 
ever actually reduced to the traditional five grains of 
corn each, is a fact not decided by history, but it is true 
that they returned thanks for the most meagre fare and 
endured the most grinding hardships without a murmur. 
Like our forebears, we make of the day a great time for 
feasting and games and not so much of church going. 
It is a day for family reunions and a day of abundant 
opportunity for making a cause of Thanksgiving in the 
''other fellow's" heart. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

Thanksgiving Centrepiece 

Here is a new way of using a lovely yellow pumpkin. 
Select one of rather long shape, cut in halves lengthwise 
and hollow out to look like an old-time vessel (look at 
a print of the Mayflower) ; put in gilded masts and, if 
possible, make sails of a scrap of white silk. Do the 
name ''Mayflower" in gilt, and load the pretty craft 
with fruits — grapes, small red apples, etc. The effect is 
good, especially if the boat is set on a small box or tin 
and the base covered with autumn leaves and vines; or 
a foundation of chrysanthemums would be appropriate, 
as they are the November flower. Before putting the 
fruits in the pumpkin, line it carefully with waxed paper. 

A tablepiece that children love is made by having sev- 
eral small Indian tepees with miniature Indians; sur- 
round with alternate red and white ears of corn, making 
the outline of a star. At toy shops small animals such 
as deer, dogs, chickens, and turkeys may be found to 
add to this scene, and figures of John Alden and Priscilla 
could be added. 

Thanksgiving Tea 

A RECEPTION or tea on this festival day is distinguished 
chiefly by appropriate decorations, costumes and refresh- 
ments. The rooms may be completely transformed by 
taking down all the portieres and other draperies and 
replacing them with others made of cranberries strung on 
a stout, red thread. Popcorn strung and alternating with 
the berries makes a pleasing effect. Strings of cran- 
berries are very pretty festooned over white window 
curtains. 

Cover lamps and all gas and electric lights with shades 
made from red, white, and blue crepe tissue paper and for 
stools and divans have large pumpkins; they are very 
comfortable and are admirably adapted for the purpose. 

147 



Party Pastimes for the 

The usual refreshments are served with the addition of 
pumpkin chips and the bonbons in the national colors. 
To make pumpkin chips, — which are quite a novelty — 
select a deep-colored pumpkin, peel and slice very thin; 
to each pound of chips add a pound of sugar and a gill 
of lemon juice, with the grated lemon rind; stir well 
and let them stand over night; cook very slowly until 
tender ; then skim the chips out, let them stand two days 
to get firm, then put them in a jar with just enough sirup 
to keep them moist. These are often taken for an ex- 
pensive imported preserve. No one recognizes the 
plebeian pumpkin. Spices may be added if liked. 

Hot spiced cider or a cider frappe may be served, and 
cranberry ice cream is delicious in flavor and looks. The 
sandwiches should be of minced turkey, and the flowers 
red and white carnations with cornflowers or bachelors' 
buttons, as they are blue. 

If individual moulds are desired for the ice cream, 
there are cunning little turkeys, and all sorts of vege- 
tables. Sheafs of wheat tied with the national colors are 
very decorative over arch and doorways. 

A programme of music consisting of patriotic airs 
would be a diversion suitable for the occasion. 

It would be attractive to have six girls dressed in 
colonial costumes to assist in receiving and to ''pour" 
in the dining room, also to preside. at the frappe bowl. 

Pastimes for Thanksday 

After dinner try some of these schemes for amuse- 
ment. Give each guest a clay pipe, some soft, workable 
putty, blue, black and buff crepe paper with which to 
fashion a Continental soldier; allow fifteen minutes, and 
award a prize. Take squares of card-board and trace 
with an unthreaded needle outlines of drums, flags, can- 
non, and muskets for the children to work in red, white, 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

and blue cotton or worsted. They love this work, and it 
keeps the busy little creatures still after the big dinner 
and aids digestion. Offer a prize. Another stunt the 
youngsters love is building forts from sandpaper and 
blocks. Give them colonial names and get in a bit of 
history in this way. Then let them have marbles or 
golf-balls to roll and knock down the forts. If there 
are enough children to divide into sides they will have 
a fine time while the older members of the family "remi- 
niscence." 

Here is a game in which all may participate: Select 
ten small articles, say nuts, corn kernels, wrapped bon- 
bons; seat the players in two lines opposite each other; 
at the head of the line and at th^ foot place a table or 
taboret. The game is to pass the articles, one at a time, 
to each player until all are on the table, the other side to 
pass them back down the line. This must be done 
rapidly, the side making the best time having the prize. 
This is loads of fun and children love it. 

For Thanksgiving Day 

A YEARLY custom obscrvcd in the evening of each 
Thanksgiving Day is so interesting I want to tell about 
it. There are six families with their connections, all 
relatives, either distant or close, who meet at the old- 
fashioned home of one they call "great aunt." On these 
occasions all the old heirlooms are brought forth, the 
fireplace in the dining-room is festooned with dried apple 
strings and red peppers. Apples, nuts, cider, and pop- 
corn are served informally, and the first ceremony is 
counting up the "mercies" of the year. Every one is 
obliged to take part in this. There is no light save from 
the logs in the fireplace and a few candles in brass sticks, 
some having the tall glass shades one finds in New Or- 

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Party Pastimes for the 

leans. After this a huge loving cup is passed, and all 
join hands standing up, saying with bowed heads: 

God bless you and God bless me, 
God bless us every one. 

A simple repast is served, with no servants in evidence, 
as this is a time when the children are permitted to dress 
in costumes representing the "Pilgrim fathers and 
mothers," and they serve the feast. They first all stand 
around the candle-lit table and eat their five kernels of 
parched corn in memory of the time when all our fore- 
fathers had for which to be thankful was the few grains 
of seed corn, enough to allot only five grains to each 
person. At the close of this supper a child is chdsen to 
repeat Elbert Brewster's glorious admonition to the Pil- 
grims when he bade them be true to their promise. I 
quote it here, for it is worthy of being read by every 
one on the coming festival day : 

"Blessed will it be for us, blessed for this land, for 
this vast continent. Nay, from generation to generation 
will the blessings descend. Generations to come will 
look back to this hour and these scenes of agonizing 
trial, to this day of small things, and say: 'Here was 
our beginning as a people. These were our forefathers. 
Through their trials we inherit our blessings. Their 
faith is our faith, their hope our hope, their God our 
God.'" 

Seems to me this is a splendid way of impressing 
historical facts upon the minds of our young people, and 
it does us older ones lots of good to turn our minds 
and hearts backwards, remembering the times when this 
fair land was not what it is to-day and to say a prayer 
of thankfulness for those who laid the foundation on 
such a sound basis that we may with grateful hearts 
celebrate our Thanksgiving Day. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

Saint Catherine's Day 

If anyone happens to be entertaining on the twenty- 
fifth of November, it might be well to remember that it 
is Saint Catherine's day. This occasion has long been 
a fete day in France, Italy, and England. This early 
Christian woman was the patron saint of Venice and of 
spinsters and belles lettres. In Paris this day is called 
**01d Maids' day"; the young girls as well as maids of 
uncertain age carry bouquets to the churches to be laid 
on the altar for Saint Catherine and offer their prayers 
for a good husband. In England, at Milton Abbey, this 
is the prayer offered : 

A husband Saint Catherine; 
A handsome one, St. Catherine; 
A rich one, Saint Catherine; 
A nice one, St. Catherine; 
And soon, St. Catherine. 

The following requirements are the ones that Saint 
Catherine is supposed to have formulated for the man 
she could or would marry, but not finding this paragon 
of virtue she was forced to remain single : 

He must be nobly born; he must be great, handsome, and 
benign. 

Seems to me there is foundation in this suggestion for 
a pretty addition to a feminine luncheon or afternoon; 
the Italian colors might be used and spaghetti served in 
ramekins with fruit, chocolate and cheese sandwiches. 
If any of the readers do have a Saint Catherine party 
I would be very glad to have a description for the depart- 
ment. There are many interesting special days observed 
across the water of which we busy, practical people are 
in ignorance ; many of them would add a touch of novelty 
to our ofttimes humdrum affairs. 



Party Pastimes for the 

Football Spread 

The captain of a popular football team is going to 
entertain his 'leven after the game, and here is the way 
his doting mother has planned it. The team's colors, 
orange and blue, are to predominate and will be in evi- 
dence in huge tarlatan bows on the backs of the chairs, 
alternating orange and blue. The centrepiece will be a 
large football filled with yellow chrysanthemums, and 
the individual favors will be small footballs. The place 
cards will be of brown cardboard cut in shape of foot- 
balls with this quotatiton: 

I have prepared a feast. Lay on, MacDuff. And damned be 
he that first cries "Hold, enough!" 

On the inside, this menu, which she fortunately found 
in an old magazine and adapted to her purpose: 

Quick Down Shorts 

(Oysters on the Shell) 

Bleachers Soaked to O'Brien 

(Celery) (Olives) 

Don't Chew 

(Consomme) 

Good Catch Grounders 

(Broiled Halibut) (Potato Croquettes) 

Tame Game With Fudge Hitting 

(Fillet of Beef, with Mushrooms) 



Hot Shot 


Done Brown 


(Peas) 


(Salsify Fritters) 




Hit It Hard 




(Lemon Sorbet) 




A Fowl Tip 




(Roast Squab) 




A Cold Deal 




(Bisque Ice) 




Stand Up to the Plate 




(Cake) 


Tie Game 


A Crummy Lot 


(Cheese) 


(Crackers) 




Wet Grounds 




(Coffee) 



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Up-to-Date Hostess 

Ice cream was moulded in shape of footballs and then 
rolled in ground nut and cocoa to look just like the real 
thing. 

A Chrysanthemum Party 

A CARD is given to each guest with a chrysanthemum 
attached, with the word "Chrysanthemum'' prettily let- 
tered in gold. Instructions are given to make as many 
words as possible from the letters. The prize is a 
bunch of chrysanthemums or a potted plant. As they 
are the November flower this pastime is especially fitting. 
Serve ice cream in chrysanthemum tissue paper cases. 
This scheme could follow a card party while the hostess 
is preparing refreshments, or is suitable for a church 
social. 

Toasts and Sentiments for the Thanksday Feast 

The American Eagle; 

The Thanksgiving Turkey. 

May one give us peace in all our States, 

And the other a piece for all our plates. 

— E. H. Holmes. 

O, beautiful and grand, 
My own Native Land, 

Of thee I boast; 
Great Empire of the West, 
The dearest and best. 
Made up of all the rest, 

I love thee most. 

— Abraham Coles — My Native Land. 

My dear, my native soil ! 

For whom my warmest wish to Heav'n is sent, 
Long may thy hardy sons of rustic toil 

Be blest with health and sweet content! 

God grants liberty only to those who love it, and are always 
ready to guard and defend it. — Daniel Webster, Speech, June 3, 
1834. 



Party Pastimes for the 

A brave man's country is wherever he chooses his abode. — 

QUINTIUS CURTIUS RUFUS. 

Our country is that spot to which our heart is bound. — 
Voltaire. 

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, 
With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me; 
As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free, 
While God is marching on. 

— Julia Ward Howe. 

Lo! body and soul! — this land! 
Mighty Manhattan, with spires, and 
The sparkling and hurrying tides, 

And the ships; 
The varied and ample land — the south 
And the north in the light — Ohio's shores. 

And flashing Missouri, 
And ever the far spreading prairies, 

Covered with grass and corn. 

— Walt Whitman. 

When Freedom from her mountain height 

Unfurled her standard to the air. 
She tore the azure robe of night, 

And set the stars of glory there. 

— ^Joseph Rodman Drake. 

Of all human things nothing is more honorable or more excel- 
lent than to deserve well of one's country — Cicero. 

America ! half brother of the world ! 

With something good and bad of every land. 

— Bailey. 

America has furnished to the world the character of Wash- 
ington ! And if our American institutions had done nothing 
else, that alone would have entitled them to the respect of man- 
kind. — Daniel Webster, Completion of Bunker Hill Monument, 
June 17, 1843. 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

A Chrysanthemum Luncheon 

This affair was gorgeously brilliant, the color scheme 
being yellow; especially fitting for this month, as No- 
vember claims the topaz and the chrysanthemum; in 
this instance it was also the bride's birthday month as 
well as her wedding day season. For a centrepiece there 
was a mound of yellow **mums," kept in place by em- 
bedding the stems in sand. At each place there was a 
little yellow jardiniere containing one stiff, straight little 
yellow **mum" to which the name card was attached 
with a yellow ribbon. The grape fruit cock-tail had a 
wee "mum'' in the centre of the fruit; around the stem 
of the glass there was a fluffy bow of white tulle. The 
plates on which the frappe glasses stood had a wreath 
of yellow "mums" around them and the ice-cream was 
in boxes concealed by petals of yellow crepe paper 
"mums." The candle-sticks were of silver and had yel- 
low shades. At each place were yellow slippers filled 
with salted nuts 

A Harvest Home Party 

In Sweden they make a ceremony of bringing in the 
last sheaf of wheat, signifying that the "summer is over 
and the harvest ended." With this in mind, a hostess 
who is noted for her originality issued invitations for a 
"Harvest Home" party at her place in the country. It 
is now quite the thing not to return to town until the 
first of November, so the beautiful foliage and the glories 
of autumn are enjoyed to the full. At this party, which 
was given last year, too late to get in the department 
owing to the fact that it must be made up several weeks 
in advance, the house and spacious verandas were liter- 
ally covered with gorgeous oak and maples leaves, as 
was the lower floor of the great barn, where dancing 
took place at eight o'clock. The hours were from five 

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Party Pastimes for the 

to ten, which just permitted the making of trains to 
and from the city. 

A novel feature was the playing of the band composed 
of the workmen on the place. They were mostly Ger- 
mans, and as each department had its own foreman, with 
helpers the organization was quite complete as well as 
unique. They played for the dancing, and to a most 
stirring march they led the gay party to the last sheaf 
of wheat in the field. It was laid in the pony cart belong- 
ing to the ten-year-old daughter of the house, who drove 
the prettily decorated pony into the barn. The sheaf 
was placed in the middle of the cleanly swept floor, and 
the hostess paid a tribute to Ceres, a health being drunk 
in mulled cider made on the place and served by the 
hostess. After a supper of fried chicken, boiled ham, 
hot muffins, rice, and tomatoes, cooked together with 
shrimp (which the colored cook said was *7^"^balaya"), 
tea, coffee, Macedoine of vegetable, salad, and pumpkin 
pie, the dancing began. After a few informal dances 
there was what the hostess called a Farmers' cotillon, 
because all the figures pertained to work on the farm, 
and the favors consisted of big straw hats, sunbonnets, 
whips, milking stools, tin pails, spades, rakes, hoes, etc. 
It was all very original and pretty. Cider frappe was 
on hand for the dancers. 

A November Leaf Party 

An exceedingly novel party has just been brought 
to my notice. In the country, where the leaves remain 
much longer on the trees than in the city, a hostess, noted 
for her original ideas, viewing her leaf-covered lawn, 
was seized with this clever scheme. Why not make the 
raking of the leaves into a frolic? 

No sooner thought of than the telephone was called 
into service and five couples, all good friends, had been 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

asked for the following Saturday afternoon. Old 
clothing and warm gloves were the only conditions im- 
posed. Partners were chosen by rakes, which were tied 
with ribbons, two of each color. 

Then work began, and after each couple had a big 
pile the hostess asked that a specimen of each variety 
of leaf be brought into the house. Then there was an 
impromptu contest to see who could recognize the most 
varieties. A picnic luncheon was served and bonfires 
were built after dark. Then all gathered round a grate 
fire and told stories, roasted chestnuts and apples, and 
all asked to be included in another "leaf party'' the 
next fall. 

The place cards were in the shape of leaves, done in 
wood browns with gold lettering. By the way, this 
same hostess is giving little Norway pine trees in six- 
inch pots for Christmas gifts. Capital idea. 

A November Party 

At a country place where the family remained until 
the late fall days this charming party was given. On the 
invitations was this appropriate line always associated 
with this month: "The melancholy days are come, the 
saddest of the year." The guests were asked to appear 
in country costumes, so it was indeed a motley throng 
that assembled; there were village belles, a typical old 
maid, the village gossip, etc., and then there was the 
country parson, the village storekeeper, the happy farmer 
"Rube," and a large representation of his friends. Sup- 
per was served at small tables in rooms decorated with 
sheafs of wheat, corn stalks, pumpkins, squash, and ears 
of corn. 

Lanterns, lamps, and candles were used for lighting, 
and a cotillion was danced in the big barn, which was 
immaculately clean. The favors were large straw hats 

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Party Pastimes for the 

for the men, sunbonnets for the girls, and all sorts of 
farm implements. Cider frappe was in an immense tub 
decorated with autumn leaves. At midnight a corn roast 
wound up the festivities, after first shucking the corn to 
see who would get the lucky red ear, which is supposed to 
bring luck to the finder. The guests who lived in the 
neighborhood were sent home in a big farm wagon drawn 
by four horses, with liveried footman and driver in 
attendance. Many of the young people remained all 
night, and it was the j oiliest house party imaginable. 



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Up-to-Date Hostess 



CHAPTER XH.-PASTIMES FOR 
DECEMBER 

Christmas! merry Christmas! It's not so very long 

Since other voices blended with the carol and the song. 

If we could hut hear them singing as they are singing now, 

If we could hut see the radiance of the crown on each dear brow, 

There would he no sigh to smother, no hidden tear to How, 

As we listen in the starlight to the bells across the snow, 

— Frances Ridley Havergal. 

FEELING sure that the above lines will be full of 
comfort to many a reader, I place them where 
they may be read first, so that those of us who 
have known deep sorrow and have been with those whose 
hearts are broken, torn, and bleeding as they see the 
vacant chair and the link broken in the family circle, 
will at least try to realize what a blessed message Christ- 
mas brings to us. 

We may all have the Christmas spirit that came with 
the Christ child when he said: "It is more blessed to 
give than to receive." Even now, this very day, we make 
a merry Christmas for some child, for our families, and 
for our friends, by forgetting ourselves and for the 
one day thinking entirely of some one else. As the 
noted musician, Mrs. H. H. A. Beach, said a long time 
ago: "Let us have plenty of music at Christmas-time, 
bright, joyous music for hearts that are full of happiness, 
but also some tender, comforting, deeply sympathetic 
strains for the brave souls who even on this glad day 
are battling with sorrow." 

At this season we are all more than keen regarding 

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Party Pastimes for the 

holiday affairs. Whether we are old or young, there 
is something in the very air that stirs us and makes us 
want to do things. Agnes Greene Foster says: 

Every day is a king's birthday 

When Love is born. 
And best of all along life's way 
The King comes to rest and stay, 

When Love is born. 

This IS very true, but not many of us stop to think 
and apply it. Now, with the Christmas spirit pervading 
the atmosphere, we all are trying to celebrate the King's 
birthday in one way or another. Where there are chil- 
dren in the family it is impossible not to become imbued 
with the joys which the coming of the Christ child brings. 
We all want to play Santa Claus, to hang up our stock- 
ings, to dress dolls, and make all sorts of delectable 
goodies. 

GAMES FOR CHRISTMAS DAY 

Christmas Snowballs 

Prepare as many snowballs as there are guests. Make 
them by using a small toy or favor for the centre, wind 
it with cotton until round in shape, then wrap in white 
tissue paper, dip in mucilage or liquid glue, then in 
diamond dust. These will dry over night and be ready 
for use the next day. Decorate two market baskets with 
holly and red ribbon and place on two chairs at the 
end of the room. Divide the company into equal sides, 
drop the balls in two long rows equally distant from 
each other, and at the word "Go" the children start from 
the chairs and get the farthest ball first. The side get- 
ting all the balls back into the basket wins. It just makes 
a jolly time and each child has a ball to keep. It makes 

i6o 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

a little novelty in distributing the favors, and the chil- 
dren dearly love to tear open the balls and find the 
treasures inside. All the scraps of paper may be picked 
up and put in the baskets. 

The "Magic Bag" is something children just love. Take 
red tissue paper, glue the sides together, fill with very 
light favors like red snapping crackers, bonbons wrapped 
in gilt and silver paper, wee baskets, etc., and suspend by 
red and green ribbons from a centre light or doorway. 
Blindfold a child, hand him a stout cane, turn the little 
blind man around three times, get the other children out 
of the way and tell him to strike three times. If he hits 
and breaks the bag all well and good, if not some one 
else tries. When the bag does break, the blind man 
removes the bandage and scrambles, too. All must have 
a share in the spoils. 

How many have ever played the game of the Christmas 
Candle? Try it and get all the grown people in it, 
for it is so very funny. Of course, it goes without say- 
ing that children will not attempt to play this without an 
older person, for I do not want to be responsible for any 
fires or burned fingers. This pastime comes to us from 
our English cousins and was a favorite away back in 
the time of Queen Elizabeth. 

Get a nice, long, fat candle, such as we see on church 
altars, light it and choose one child to be the candle- 
bearer and another to be the "blower." Blindfold the 
latter, turn her around three times, and then tell her to 
blow out the candle. Just as likely as not she will start 
off in the opposite direction, while all the others giggle. 
If a long candle is not at hand take one of the little 
artificial trees that come with several lights. They will 
burn long enough for one trial. A little prize may be 
offered to the successful blower. 



i6i 



Party Pastimes for the 

For the Birds' Christmas 

Do not forget our little feathered friends but give 
them a Christmas tree. If you had not thought of it 
before, plan for one just as soon as you read this. If 
there are children in the household they will love the 
idea; if not (more the pity), some of your grown-ups. 

Take some suet and bones, some cracked nuts, some 
bread crumbs, even raw oatmeal or any of the uncooked 
breakfast foods, and scatter in the yard; tie bits of the 
suet to trees with a red apple or two. Then go inside 
and watch the delighted guests. In the North the 
chickadees, woodpeckers, blue jays, and sparrows ought 
to abound in grateful throngs. 

Don't forget the squirrels; put out some nuts, even 
though they have helped to destroy our gardens. They 
often have a hard time to exist when the snow is deep. 
At Christmas time we all should remember our dumb 
friends. 

Pretty Christmas Table 

The arrangement of this table was quite unusual, 
inasmuch as it was an old-fashioned square one, length- 
ened to accommodate twelve children. It was pushed 
back against the wall, and at the back was the largest 
sized Yule log candy box resting on a bed of holly and 
mistletoe. On top of the log was a doll dressed as a 
jester, called the **Lord of Misrule," and attached to the 
front end of the log by red ribbons were six dolls dressed 
to represent the first six months of the year. Following 
after the log were six more figures dressed like the last 
six months. 

At each plate was a holly paper-covered horn and a 
wee tree lit with red wax tapers. The children were to 
blow out the candles, making a wish for each one. If 
they go out with the very first puff, the wish will come 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

true. A white and red Christmas ribbon goes to each 
plate, fastened by a spray of holly, then each child looks 
at the dolls and says which one he thinks represents the 
month in which he was born. If there should be two in 
the same month, the one who is the older gets the doll 
for that month ; as there is one for each guest a satisfac- 
tory adjustment is easily made. The Yule log also 
contains small favors for each guest. 

A Mistletoe Tea 

How would you like to give a mistletoe tea when your 
college girl friends are all home for vacation? Just use 
Christmas greens with an abundance of mistletoe. Sus- 
pend from every doorway, and exclusively white candles 
with white hyacinths on the dining-room table. Serve 
pineapple ice with white iced cakes, white bonbons, 
chicken sandwiches, tea, and coffee. Have a wee maiden, 
dressed as a little snow fairy, give each guest a spray of 
mistletoe and be sure to ask all the boys you know to 
drop in at five o'clock for a cup of tea, and I assure 
you the affair will be a success. 

A Peppermint Stick Table 

Somehow candy canes and stick candy aiways seem 
a part of Christmas. Try this for a novel table decora- 
tion and game combined. Make a tripod of three good- 
sized candy canes, from which suspend a basket filled 
with smaller canes. Radiate canes from this centre to 
each plate. Lay a stick of candy on a cutting table for 
each guest, with a supply of dainty papers, stickers, 
fancy cords, and narrow ribbon. Allow fifteen or twenty 
minutes to dress these stick dolls, which may be called 
"Minties" or "Aunt Minty." They make very good 
dolls and are quite attractive to hang on the Christmas 
tree. A lot might be made up to go in baskets to poor 
children or be sent to asylums. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

Christmas Frolics 

After dinner, when the extreme novelty of the gifts 
has worn off, there is an hour yet before the youngsters 
go to bed, and for this very time, aptly called the ''wild- 
cat'' hour by a young mother of three, I have been saving 
these ideas to be worked out with the help of the elder 
members of the family. Let no guilty mortal think he 
can escape, for Christmas belongs to the children "till 
six o'clock at night from any old hour in the morning." 

In ancient times the day used to end with a wild, 
rollicking ''hobby-horse dance." The company would 
hastily rig up in improvised costumes — the funnier the 
better — and every man had to ride a hobby horse made 
from a broom, cane, or even a poker. In this manner all 
participated in the Virginia reel, danced to a good, lively 
tune. A post-card search was devised by the grand- 
mother of the house as an ending to a long, happy day. 
She hid cards in every conceivable place within reach of 
the children. As they were all ardent collectors and the 
spoils were to be individual property, there was no time 
lost in getting the pretty cards from their hiding places. 
The one who found the fewest was consoled with a red 
apple candy-box filled with peppermint lozenges. 

A Poinsettia Birthday Party 

Of late the tropical poinsettia has been very much in 
favor for decoration and gifts at the holiday time. In 
way of variety a mother issued these invitations for a 
little daughter's birthday that came close to Christmas. 
The cards bearing the message were of white ornamented 
with poinsettia seals, and the envelopes were closed with 
them : 

Come to my poinsettia party, don't forget the place and day; 
As my invitation's hearty, kindly do not stay away. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

The table was lovely with a centrepiece of scarlet poln- 
settias in a round, gilded basket, glass candlesticks and 
scarlet candles, a white iced individual cake at each child's 
place, with a wee red taper resting on a poinsettia doily. 
Crepe paper napkins ornamented with the same flower 
were used. Across one end of the dining-room a red 
cord was stretched, on which hung a red filled stocking 
for each child, fastened on with a gilded clothespin. 
Cherry ice was served instead of ice cream, and the bon- 
bon box was gay with a big red poinsettia fastened to the 
lid. The young hostess wore red slippers and a red hair 
ribbon. They had great fun playing a game that went 
like this : The first child said, *'I hung up my stocking,'' 
and the second asked, "What did you find in it?" 
"Nuts," was the reply. Then the second child asked the 
next child what she found in her stocking, and she replied, 
"Nuts," and added another article. Thus the game went 
around, with the list unchanged. If a child forgot and 
left out an article she dropped out and the next one 
continued until the stocking was well filled. 



Christmas Games for Children 

When the children have tired of even their new pos- 
sessions and it is still too early for the sand man, try this 
simple amusement: Suspend a wreath of holly or greens 
from a doorway and provide each child with the same 
quantity of nuts, paper-wrapped bonbons, or favors that 
will stand handling, and see who can throw the most 
articles through the wreath into a basket placed to catch 
them. Give some simple reward to add zest to the play. 

In the same manner the game of "toss" is conducted. 
Take a large napkin or piece of stout paper, place a lot 
of nuts or hard candies in the centre, let a child take hold 
of each corner, and give three vigorous tosses, singing: 

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Party Pastimes for the 

Goodies, goodies, dance, my Christmas goodies. 

Up thej go ; down they go ; dance, my Christmas goodies. 

Then there will be a lively scrimmage to see who can 
recover the most. These little devices will make a jolly 
ending to the happiest day in the year for the children. 
Put them to bed with this little song ringing in their 
ears : 

Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas to-night! 
Christmas where snow peaks stand solemn and white, 
Christmas where corn-fields lie sunny and bright ! 
Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas to-night I 

Verselet to Go With a Pair of Gloves 

Merely two gloves, yet the hands they encase 
Are the hands that oft rule the world; 

Hands that are dainty, tender, and kind, 
The first that man's power unfurled ; 

Hands that are found where good deeds must be done, 
Hands whose caress is divine. 

May they always be strong to uphold the right 

And raise mortals to holiest shrine ; 
Hands that in physical prowess are weak. 

But in moral persuasion most strong; 
Hands that will succor the needy and ill, 

And sever the right from the wrong. 
May those hands be ever steadfast and true 

To the one they vow to love ; 
May they ever find warmth in a loyal heart, 

As they find in this wee little glove. 

Christmas-Tree Decorations 

Make long strings of raisins, alternating with various 
nut meats, popcorn, and cranberries, also chains of pink 
and white popcorn. When it comes to dismantling the 
tree, these toothsome things will be eagerly devoured. 
Small, red apples polished to a high degree are very orna- 
mental and always found on the trees at Christmas-time 
in Germany. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

Baskets made from oranges, the halves Hned with 
waxed paper and filled with bonbons, are lovely on the 
green tree branches. Even the children of kindergarten 
age may assist in dressing the glorious tree by making 
the dainty paper chains for festooning the branches. 
Their little fingers can also fashion cornucopias, of which 
there can never be too many. 

A mother seeking novelties decorated her tree with 
oranges, lemons, apples, bananas, pears, etc. They were 
all candy boxes which the guests took home as favors 
when the tree was dismantled. 



Novel Distribution of Gifts 

An original method of distributing Christmas gifts was 
from an immense ''horn of plenty,'' which was made from 
pasteboard and wire, covered with scarlet crepe paper, 
and suspended between two large windows with scarlet 
ribbon. The souvenirs it contained were small articles. 

One hostess at a Christmas party had her presents done 
up in such a fashion as to mislead as to the contents of 
the package, then she allowed each guest a guess as to 
what the parcel contained. This caused much merri- 
ment. A letter opener of silver was packed in a large 
wooden box and a linen doily was folded into an in- 
credibly small space. This scheme could be carried out 
in an ''auction party" by using grains of popcorn or 
cranberries for money with which to bid. 

At a house party the hostess placed a large new clothes 
basket in the front hall. It was bountifully trimmed with 
ribbon and holly and was quite ornamental. It remained 
from early morn on Christmas eve and all packages were 
dropped into it. On Christmas morning the two young 
sons carried it into the dining-room, where, after a most 
delicious breakfast, with eggnogg made by the young 

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Party Pastimes for the 

women in the party, the presents were distributed and 
opened. 

At a dinner party have a small Christmas tree for a 
centrepiece ; or the idea may be utilized at the breakfast 
table. Have fastened to the tree, among the ornaments, 
gilded walnut shells, one for each guest; inside the nut, 
on tightly rolled paper have instructions to be followed 
to find a gift. For instance : *'Go upstairs and look in a 
work basket on the hall table.'' The young woman who 
follows these directions will find a gold thimble. The 
boy whose nut says: "Go up to the attic and see what 
you'll find," will be made happy by finding gymnasium 
apparatus for which he had been longing. These ex- 
amples show how the idea may be worked out, and will 
prolong the Christmas fun. 

A Star Party for Children 

The invitations were red stars, the writing in white 
and gilt. On arriving each child was given a crown with 
a gilt star in front. Then there was a hunt for gilt stars 
scattered through the rooms and a prize of a box of 
candy in a star-shaped box. Next there were puzzles 
made by cutting large stars into bits, first pasting on thin 
w^ood, then cutting out. A quiet time was thus insured 
for fifteen minutes. 

The dining-room was decorated with hundreds of gilt 
stars suspended by invisible threads of black from the 
ceiling and there were stars of greens around the room, 
with beautiful stars done in tiny electric lights over the 
table. Ice cream was in star-shaped moulds, and the 
cakes small in shape, each with a tiny lighted taper. 

When all were seated the mother in a few brief words 
told the reason of using the star and asked the children 
to remember why the star shone in the East so many, 
many years ago. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

Legend of the Christmas Stacking 

An ancient legend tells us that the hanging of the 
Christmas stocking over the Yule log comes to us from 
Scandinavia. It happened in this manner: A young 
woman sat by the fireplace on the night before Christmas, 
wishing for enough fine cloth to fashion her a wedding 
gown. Suddenly a forest sprite appeared down the chim- 
ney. Standing on the log all ready for lighting on the 
morrow, he softly whispered : 

Wishing, Wishing, in the Yule log's name — 

Keep wishing thy stockings full. 
Answer will come o'er the Yule log's flame — 

Keep wishing thy stockings full. 

The girl listened intently and tried to get closer to the 
charming sprite, who vanished at once up the chimney 
as silently and softly as he had come. In great excite- 
ment she hastily withdrew her stockings from both feet 
and fastened them to the chimney, then fled to her room, 
wondering whether she should find material for the wed- 
ding gown on the morrow. Sure enough, early Christ- 
mas morning when the shy maiden stole in the early 
dawn to the chimney she beheld her stockings filled with 
a silken fabric, plenty to make the bridal gown. 

Now we hang only one stocking for the ^'wishing 
full." We find that this tradition makes the giving of 
stockings perfectly proper, just as correct as the giving 
of gloves or handkerchiefs. Even babies may be given 
lovely pairs of pink, blue and white silk ones, for they 
come in the very smallest sizes. 

Right here I want to tell of the Christmas stocking 
charity as carried out by a number of people I know. 
Pairs of warm stockings are purchased, one of the pair 
to be rolled up tight and put in the toe of the outer stock- 
ing, which is filled with small gifts and toys, apples and 

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Party Pastimes for the 

oranges. Then these filled stockings are sent to homes 
that Santa Claus might possibly overlook. 

The filled stockings are all sent to one house, from 
which they are distributed, many people offering their au- 
tomobiles for the purpose. Sometimes they go to ''homes'' 
or institutions, to be hung on the Christmas tree. The 
children not only have the joy of unloading the stocking, 
but in the end have a nice warm, whole pair to put on. 
These stockings need not be confined to children, for 
inmates of homes for old people enjoy them quite as 
much. 

At the Sign of the Holly 

A MOTHER issued these invitations last year, written on 
holly-decorated paper; the envelopes were tied around 
with silvery cord, through which a spray of holly was 
thrust. The seals were decorated with holly : 

At the sign of the holly, my friends, Til await. 
I think 'twill be jolly, so don't you be late. 

As each guest arrived a spray of holly and a long pin 
were handed out by an attendant in the dressing-room. 
The first thing all were ushered into a room which was 
called the "Christmas Garden." Here on a long table 
was a small artificial tree -for each child and a paper- 
wrapped box which, when opened, was found to contain 
very small tree ornaments, colored papers, paste (tubes) 
and a pair of scissors. 

Fifteen minutes was allowed in which to decorate these 
miniature trees. At the expiration of the time a prize 
was awarded for the best trimmed tree. Then all made 
a trip to the "postoffice," where a big, fat Santa Claus 
distributed Christmas postals to each one, on which in- 
structions were given where to look for a parcel. Then 
such merriment ! The packages had been cleverly hidden, 
each marked with the child's name. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

The refreshment table had a tree in the center with red 
ribbons running to each plate where there was a gilded 
basket in which to take home the goodies. A white iced 
angel-food cake had "Merry Christmas'' in red candles. 
The ice cream was in the shape of snowballs, on top of 
which a wee Santa stood. 

List of Good Christmas Stories 

This list has been carefully compiled. The books all 
pertain to Christmas, and are excellent, being choice 
examples of our very best writers. It is a fine idea to 
keep the spirit of the Christmastide in the books we select 
to give at this season : 

Thackeray*s "Round the Christmas Tree." 

Dickens's "A Christmas Carol." 

Dickens's "The Chimes." 

Kate Douglas Wiggins's "The Birds' Christmas Carol." 

Ruth McEnery Stuart's "Christmas at the Trimbles." 

Ruth McEnery Stuart's "Apollo Belvidere." 

T. B. Aldrich's "A Christmas Fantasy." 

Henry Van Dyke's "The First Christmas Tree." 

F. Hopkinson Smith's "Colonel Carter's Christmas." 

Bret Harte's "How Santa Came to Simpson's Bar." 

John Fox's "Christmas Eve on Lonesome." 

Frank Stockton's "Christmas Wreck." 

Lew Wallace's "Boyhood of Christ" in "Ben Hur." 

Programme for a Christmas Musicale 

Song— "Noel" Gounod 

Reading from Dickens's "Scrooge's Christmas." 

Paper or talk on "Curious Christmas Customs" (in England, 

Germany, Sweden, etc.). 

Song — "When From the East the Wise Men Came" Bullard 

Reading from "Sonny" Ruth McEnery Stuart 

Reading from Howell's "Christmas Every Day." 

"The Virgin's Lullaby" Dudley Buck 

Reading — "George Washington Jones, a Christmas Gift That 

Went a-Begging" Ruth McEnery Stuart 

Song— "Over the Hills of Bethlehem" Niedlinger 



Party Pastimes for the 

Christmas Sentiments 

Counting the days till Christmas, 

Sweet days of tender care 
That loved ones may on the blessed mom, 

Find longed-for treasures fair. 
Thus dreaming, hoping, and waiting 

That holiday draws near. 
When "Peace on earth, good will to men," 

Ring out the joy bells clear. 

It is a good thing to observe Christmas Day. The 
mere markings of times and seasons when men agree to 
stop work and make merry together is a wise and whole- 
some custom. It helps one to feel the supremacy of the 
common life over the individual life. It reminds a man 
to set his own little watch, now and then, by the great 
clock of humanity. — Henry van Dyke. 

Cheerful looks and words are very 
Sure to make Christmas merry. 

It was always said of him that he knew how to keep 
Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowl- 
edge. May that be truly said of us, and of all of us. 
And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless us, every one. 
— Dickens. 

But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas 
time when it has come around — apart from the venera- 
tion due to its sacred name and origin, if anything 
belonging to it can be apart from that — as a good time, 
a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time. — Dickens. 

Without the door let sorrow lie; 
And if for cold it hap to die. 
We'll bury't in a Christmas pie, 
And ever more be merry. 

— G. Wither. 

But they didn't devote the whole evening to music. 
After a while they played forfeits; for it is good to be 
children sometimes and never better than at Christmas, 
when its mighty founder was a child himself. — ^Dickens. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

I wish you health and love and mirth, 
As fits the holy Christmas birth. 
England was merry England, when 
Old Christmas brought his sports again. 
*Twas Christmas broached the mightiest ale, 
Twas Christmas told the merriest tale, 
A Christmas gambol oft could cheer 
The poor man's heart through half the year. 

— Scott. 
Come, bring with a noise. 
My merry, merry boys, 
The Christmas log to the firing; 
Why my good dame she 
Bids ye all be free 
And drink to your heart's desiring. 

— Robert Herrick. 

Neighbors shaking hands and greeting. 

No one sorrowing, no one sad. 
Children, loving parents meeting. 

Young and old alike are glad. — Anonymous. 

Bits of Christmas Verse 

Children love the holiday season, and they all love 
to speak pieces; so I am very glad to print these three, 
which are most charming and will add to the surprise of 
"father'' if they are said on Christmas morning at the 
breakfast table: 

I SAW three ships 

I saw three ships come sailing in, 
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; 

I saw three ships come sailing in. 
On Christmas Day in the morning. 

Pray, whither sailed those ships all three 
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day? 

Pray, whither sailed those ships all three 
On Christmas Day in the morning. 

Oh, they sailed into Bethlehem 
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; 

Oh, they sailed into Bethlehem 
On Christmas Day in the morning. 



Party Pastimes for the 

And all the bells on earth shall ring 
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; 

And all the bells on earth shall ring 
On Christmas Day in the morning. 

And all the angels in heaven shall sing 
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; 

And all the angels in heaven shall sing 
On Christmas Day in the morning. 

And all the souls on earth shall sing 
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; 

And all the souls on earth shall sing 
On Christmas Day in the morning. 

— Old Carol. 



CHRISTMAS SONG 

Why do the bells for Christmas ring? 
Why do little children sing? 

Once a lovely shining star, 
Seen by shepherds from afar. 
Gently moved until its light 
Made a manger-cradle bright. 

There a darling baby lay 
Pillowed soft upon the hay. 
And His mother sang and smiled, 
"This is Christ, the Holy Child." 

So the bells for Christmas ring. 
So the little children sing. 

— Lydia Avery Coonley Ward. 



CRADLE HYMN 

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, 
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet little head. 
The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay- 
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, 

But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes. 

I love Thee, Lord Jesus ! look down from the sky, 

And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh. 

— Martin Luther. 

December Prophecies 
If born in this snowy month, you should wear a tur- 
quoise and memorize this verselet: 

If cold December gave you birth. 
The month of snow and ice and mirth, 
Place on your hand a turquoise blue, 
Success will bless whate'er you do. 

Holly belongs to December and means domestic hap- 
piness and foresight. Those contemplating matrimony 
will be glad to know this couplet: 

Married in days of December's cheer, 

Love's star burns brighter from year to year. 

Here is weather prediction for the month and one 
concerning Christmas that will interest us: 

A snow year, a rich year. 

If Christmas Day on Monday be, 
A great winter that year you will see. 
And full of winds both loud and shrill. 

If that Christmas Day fall 
Upon Friday, know all 
That winter season shall be easy. 
Save great winds aloft shall fly; 
The summer also shall be dry, 
What child that day is born, 
Great and rich shall be of com. 

A Snowball Party 

A LOVELY party given for children was carried out 
thus: There was a tree covered with white decorations 
and loads of snowballs. These balls were filled with 
bonbons. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

One at a time, each child was allowed to take a pair 
of scissors and clip a snowball from the tree. The dining- 
room table was a dream. It was round, with a pyramid 
of balls in the centre; they were oranges covered with 
cotton and sprinkled with diamond dust. This rested on 
a mat of holly and mistletoe. Over the table there was 
a canopy of greens hung with glass icicles. The greens 
were flecked with cotton and coarse salt, which sparkled 
beautifully. 

There were four tall, white candles with snowball 
shades. Around the base of each were mounds of holly. 
The snowball idea appeared in the ice cream and in the 
cakes and candies, which were home-made. At the finish 
each child was given one of the snowball oranges to take 
home. 

On Whittier's Birthday 

The seventeenth is the birthday of the beloved Quaker 
poet Whittier, so quotations from his writings would be 
in order. 

In fact, an evening's entertainment could be planned 
with a short account of the preacher-poet's life, and the 
reading of selections from his works. The ladies might 
dress in quaint Quaker costumes of gray, with kerchiefs 
and caps. All the guests might be expected to use "thee" 
and ''thou." Observe the greatest simplicity in serving 
refreshments. A real New England menu would be 
appropriate, individual pots of baked beans, brown bread, 
doughnuts, coffee and cider, with nuts and apples. 

For amusement use this contest; all the answers are 
names of poems : 

1. Guess the name of the poem shut in by the storm. Snow 
bound. 

2. The poem where volumes abound. The Library. 

3. The poem devoid both of shoes and stockings. The Bare- 
foot Boy. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

4. The poem that flows from the ground. The Fountain. 

5. The poem whose mother in Salem was hanged. The 
Witch's Daughter. 

6. The poem of sunshine and rain. April. 

7. The poem which gathered the hay in the field. Maud 
Muller. 

8. The poem thafs hard to explain. A Mystery. 

9. The poem which shared in the games of my youth. My 
Playmate. 

10. The poem when lessons were learned. In School Days. 

11. The poem which guarded the flag from disgrace. Barbara 
Frietchie. 

12. The poem in fireplace burned. Burning Driftwood. 



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Party Pastimes for the 



CHAPTER XIII.—PARTY PASTIMES FOR 
ALL OCCASIONS 

A Unique Lemon Party 

SOUNDS refreshing, doesn't it? The invitations 
were cut out of slightly rough yellow stiff paper, 
tied with a little bow of lemon-colored satin ribbon. 
When all the guests arrived they went onto the porch and 
were given lemon-shaped cards through the top of which 
there hung a spray of fragrant lemon verbena. On the 
table there was a pile of lemons; each guest drew one, 
cut it open with a silver fruit-knife and counted the seeds, 
writing down the number on her lemon card, also writ- 
ing her name. The lemons were then taken to the pantry 
and soon reappeared in the shape of lemonade. The 
seeds were collected and placed in a glass fruit jar, 
where every one could see them, and guesses were taken 
as to the total number, the number guessed being also 
recorded on the card. Then refreshments were served, 
consisting of lemon aspic salad, sardine sandwiches, 
lemon sherbet and cakes iced with lemon frosting. Candy 
boxes in shape of lemons were passed for favors, each 
one containing perfect little lemon quarters in the shape 
of candy. A prize for the nearest guess on the lemon 
seeds was awarded. It was a straw garden hat trimmed 
with lemon-colored tarlatan and a bunch of artificial 
lemons. The consolation prize was a half-dozen lemons 
and a china lemon-squeezer. 

Old Time Charades 

The very newest fads, so-called, are but revivals from 
olden days. Among the amusements popular right now 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

are charades, which are enjoyed by both old and young. 
I found this dinner menu in charade form which appears 
most interesting; if not needed now, put it away until 
Thanksgiving or Christmas to use after dinner : 

Soup: Tomato (Tow-ma-tow). 
Meat: (Tur Key). 
Giblet gravy: (Jib-let Gray V). 
Vegetables: Potato (Pot-eight-0). 
Cauliflower: (Call-I-Flower). 
Jelly: Currant (Cur-rant). 
Dessert: Plum Pudding (Plumb). 
Beverage: Coffee (Cough-fee). 

Merely the syllables may be acted, or the entire word 
may make one scene ; this to be decided upon by the 
leader. 

For Boy's Twenty-First Birthday 

A FOND mother devised and carried out this clever stag 
party in honor of her only son's coming of age : 

The favors were toy watches, and little canes had the 
place cards tied to the handles. Red carnations, the 
favorite flower of nearly every man, were used in the 
centre of the table, and one was laid at each plate. The 
candles were red and had very simple shades. 

This very plain menu was served, but each dish was a 
special favorite of this mother's lad: Vegetable soup, 
bread sticks, beefsteak with mushrooms, baked potatoes 
on the half shell — which means scooping out the potatoes 
after cutting in halves, mixing with cream, butter, and 
sometimes the yolk of an egg, replacing and browning in 
the oven — spaghetti, and tomatoes. No salad, but for 
dessert there were individual apple pies, a la mode — 
which is a big spoonful of ice cream on top — olives, nuts, 
cheese, and coffee. There were cigars, ginger ale, and a 
big bowl filled with all kinds of fruit. A birthday cake 

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Party Pastimes for the 

with twenty-one red candles was brought in after the 
dessert and served with the coffee. 

Souvenir Postcard Luncheon 

A GIRL of sixteen planned and carried out this affair, 
which was really delightful. The scheme is adaptable to 
church societies and club functions. In the invitations, 
which were issued on postals, the guests were requested 
to bring six of their most interesting cards and be pre- 
pared to tell about them. 

The table centrepiece was a ball of ferns, in which 
were stuck wee silk flags of all nations. Each girl was 
given a foreign postcard and told to pick out the flag of 
the country from which it came and take her place 
nearest to that flag. The girl who had a card from 
Berlin took the German colors from the ball, etc. 

Bonbon or nut-holders were made by pasting paper 
cups on the corners of postcards; the guest's name was 
also written across the card. The ice cream was white 
with a stamp on one corner; the guest's initials being 
done with small candies. 

Afterwards postal card stories were told and the fine 
collection of the hostess was thoroughly enjoyed. 

An Indian Party 

On cards cut to represent Indian arrows the invita- 
tions were written and attached to little willow branches 
by a thong of buckskin. Below the day, date, and hour 
this couplet from '"Hiawatha" was written : 

She has sent through all the village 
Messengers with wands of willow, 
As a sign of invitation, 
As a token of the feasting. 

The porch and lawn were arranged as "Indiany'* as 
possible with blankets, rugs, baskets, stacks of corn and 
pottery collected on a western trip. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

Cards were played for an hour. The score was kept 
on bands of gray satin ribbon tied around the heads of 
guests, feathers being stuck in for each game won. 
These quills were chicken feathers dyed vivid colors. 

After the cards there was a stringing contest with 
coarse needles and wooden kindergarten beads. 

To choose partners for refreshments there were bows 
of various sizes, to which bits of cords were fastened, 
there being a cord just to fit each bow. 

For a party at which men are to be included this 
quotation from ''Hiawatha'' might be written on the 
cards to which the bows are attached: 

As unto the bow the cord is, 

So unto the man is woman; 
Though she bends him, she obeys him. 
Though she draws him, yet she follows: 

Useless each without the other. 

Supper was served on the lawn, the guests following 
a ''blazed trail" to a fire built of branches over which a 
black kettle swung. The hostess ladled out delicious 
soup into stunning yellow earthenware bowls, which 
were given as souvenirs. Other good things were 
brought by servants from the house, and then all sat 
around the campfire and told stories. 

A Character Party 

A HOSTESS noted for her originality issued invitations 
for a "character party.'' The guests were limited to 
twenty-four, and each was requested to wear some ar- 
ticle indicative of a country or city, or to come costumed 
to represent some characteristic of town or country. 

For instance, the hostess represented "Columbia," and 
wore a skirt of white, a bodice of blue with a scarlet 
girdle, a tiara of gilt stars on a filet of blue, with a tiny 
silk flag on the side. Her husband's costume was typi- 

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Party Pastimes for the 

cal of "Uncle Sam/' so familiar that it needs no descrip- 
tion. A lady of Cuba went as a Spanish girl in lace 
mantilla, high comb and red roses. 

One man created a sensation arrayed in a bright red 
sweater and feather dusters fastened in every place they 
would hold on. He expected to be recognized as an 
aborigine "from most any old place.'' A man from Bos- 
ton wore one blue stocking, carried a huge volume and 
wore spectacles. The "lady from Philadelphia'' wore 
her "family tree" in her hair, while a maiden in a fault- 
less up-to-date ball gown was recognized as "Paris." 
One woman created much merriment by wearing her 
husband's shoes. Every one said at once "Chicago." 

Programmes were passed on which the guests wrote 
who was who. A correct list of the characters was read 
and a grand march followed. International colors were 
used in the decorations. 

Giving a Stork Party 

From patent food and other pictorial advertisements 
cut as many storks as there will be guests. From other 
ads. cut pretty baby figures or heads. Begin the invita- 
tion as follows: "You are cordially invited to a stork 
party," but instead of the word "stork" paste on the 
picture of one. Finish with the name of the one to be 
honored, the place and date, and add one of the little 
baby heads to the page in the lower left-hand corner. 

Have in the centre of the room a large stork, or a 
stuffed crane will answer. Usually high schools or 
some public collections have one of these birds which 
they will loan for the occasion. Suspend a basket from 
the bill filled with gifts or with a doll baby. He may 
also have a pretty basket fastened to his wings for small 
gifts. Serve light refreshments. A chilled malted milk 
flavored with chocolate is delicious, with fancy crackers. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

Looking Backwards 
This is in reality an old-time party. To add to the 
interest, the guests may be asked to come in colonial cos- 
tumes. Little booklets, the title being **Booke of Ye 
Good Old Times/' to be handed each guest. The inner 
pages having these significant titles : 



I. 


Winding Bee. 


II. 


Spelling Match. 


III. 


Quilting Bee. 


IV. 


Apple-paring Bee. 


V. 


Singing Bee. 



The books are to be filled as for a dance programme, 
so there will be partners for each contest. For the 
"Winding Bee/' the girls to hold skeins of zephyr for 
the boys to wind into balls. The one making the best 
ball in shortest time to have a prize. All know how to 
conduct a spelling match. For the "Quilting Bee" have 
a real frame with cheese-cloth comforter in, the boys 
being obliged to "tie" once across, with no help from 
the girls. Of course, they must be shown how, but not 
really helped. For the apple paring, the one making the 
longest peeling to have a reward. The singing school 
is to be conducted by a leader dressed in old-fashioned 
clothes. The possibilities of such an aflfair are great, for 
every one has a chance to take part; this fact alone 
promises success. 

Paper Costume Party 

A GIRL noted for her clever parties issued this 

invitation : 

A Paper Gown, 
Red, white, or blue, 
Or any shade 
Preferred by you, 
We ask you to wear 
Next Thursday night, 

183 



Party Pastimes for the 

And be present to witness 

A pretty sight. 

Judges will reign in majesty 

And award the prizes 

Of which there are three. 

First, beauty we seek, 

Originality, too. 

Or, if the most comical. 

We'll give to you 

A dainty little gift 

That you'd love to win — 

Now please don't be late 

For at eight we begin. 

So wear your paper gown 

And bring a heart full of cheer, 

And I'm certain this party 

Will be remembered all the year. 

Crepe papers are so beautiful that the judges had a 
difficult time rendering their decisions. Tarlatan may be 
used as a foundation for the dresses. 

One especially amusing costume was made from Fels- 
Naptha soap v^rappers; the girl called herself "Aunty 
Drudge.*' "Aunt Jemima's Pancake Flour" was also 
represented, and one girl made a decided hit as the 
"Local News," her costume being entirely of newspapers. 

Novel Potato Party 

The hostess passed to each lady a well-washed potato 
of rather long slender shape. Then each one was given 
four small wire hairpins, four small black tacks, two 
fancy paper napkins with gayly colored borders, and a 
supply of pins. There were scissors and tubes of li- 
brary paste. 

The order was to construct a doll. With prizes to be 
awarded for the best and poorest specimens the ladies 
worked with amazing zeal. This going back to child- 
hood days was thoroughly enjoyed, and while none had 
manufactured potato dolls before, nearly everyone con- 
fessed to the clothespin variety, and it was surprising 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

the array of attractive little figures that emerged from 
the hands of these erstwhile creative artists. 

The hairpins were used for arms and legs, the tacks 
made eyes, nose and mouth, and it was astonishing the 
variety of facial expressions achieved. All sorts of gar- 
ments were made from the napkins, which were pinned 
and pasted into shape. There were babies, children, 
Japs in kimonos, sunbonnet toddlers, ladies of high and 
low degree, all acknowledging a common potato for their 
origin. 

The prizes were in keeping with the novelty of the 
pastime. The first one was a large sweet-potato pie 
piled high with fluffy meringue; the consolation offer- 
ing was several quarts of new potatoes in a most charm- 
ing green basket. 

Bohemian Party 

A JOLLY crowd of about a dozen young people formed 
themselves into a "Bohemian" club with the end and 
aim of each hostess to have her party just as different 
as possible from what the last one had. An indoor moon- 
light picnic was a great success. I am glad to give 
details, as far as I have them, which any one will be 
able to enlarge upon. 

The lights were all veiled with very pale blue and 
green under white, which gave a very good moonlight 
effect. Quantities of foliage plants were used through- 
out the rooms; the variegated leaves were exquisite un- 
der the lights. Of course, the guests all worp summer 
picnic costumes. A fish pond was arranged in one cor- 
ner and the centre of the large living-room had a merry- 
go-round, the chairs being placed in a circle, and a 
graphophone played lively tunes. At nine the dining- 
room doors were opened, revealing a tablecloth spread 
on the floor with a cushion for each one to sit on; there 

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Party Pastimes for the 

was a pretty basket for each couple containing two kinds 
of sandwiches, oHves, individual baked beans and salad 
was passed. Paper plates and napkins were used, coffee 
passed on trays, with cake and molasses bonbons. There 
were snapping crackers with grotesques for each. Dur- 
ing the spread, the guests had to tell their most vivid 
recollections of a picnic, and many were the funny tales 
related. By ten thirty the supper was over and the 
floor cleared for an informal little dance. This club 
has had straw rides, boating parties, a circus, an old- 
fashioned candy pull, chafing dish parties, and a supper 
which the men prepared and served. 

A Bon Voyage Party 

For sending the invitations make little steamer rugs 
from felt or plaid flannel, cutting the pieces about 3 
by 12 inches. Fringe the two long ends with a pair 
of sharp scissors, place the note of invitation inside and 
roll up with straps cut from an old pair of kid gloves. 
Attach a card bearing the guest's name and address, with 
"Please unpack and answer at once.'' Nothing is more 
appropriate for a centrepiece than a toy steamship or 
one made of flowers. Ship funnels made of cardboard 
are good at the four corners of the table filled with 
blooming **smoke" tree. The name of the ship should 
be on it and the proper lines on the funnel. These, with 
ropes twisted about the ship caught at intervals with 
gilded anchors and "compass" place cards will com- 
plete a very attractive table. The gifts may be pre- 
sented in a travelling bag brought in by a small boy 
dressed as a porter with the name of the steamship 
company on his cap. The shops are filled with articles 
suitable for the traveller by land or sea; and it is quite 
the custom to honor a departing friend with a fare- 
well party, 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

A Hobby Luncheon 

A COLLEGE girl described this affair to me, and I saw 
its possibiHties even for those not in the heyday of 
youth, for who of us hasn't some hobby to ride, either 
fast or slow, and in some instances "it" rides us. 

The guests were eight girls, all students at the same 
university, and all acquainted with each other's whims 
and fancies. The centrepiece was a small hobbyhorse 
ridden by a dolly dressed in cap and gown. At each 
place were small hobbyhorses with the name cards at- 
tached by ribbons in the class colors. 

No names were written, but all found their places by 
the clever drawing in pen and ink on the cards. For 
instance, the girl with musical ambitions found herself 
"ten years hence with a hand organ and a monkey grind- 
ing out 'Home, Sweet Home.'" The stout girl (she 
called herself plump) was represented rolling down hill 
with the words, "I have lost one-eighth of a pound." 
The maiden who was to be a teacher (in her own mind) 
was depicted as a fashionable society woman playing 
bridge, and the golf girl found herself with Cupid peer- 
ing out of her bag and the words, "A clever stroke" 
underneath. 

When all were seated the hostess asked each to ex- 
plain why her hobby was commendable, and she told 
them to look under their place plates, and there they 
found quaintly worded invitations asking them to meet 
her ten years from date and see how the hobbyhorses had 
been ridden. If impossible to be present letters were to 
be sent to be read aloud. 

A Luncheon for Nurses 

A DAUGHTER of a prominent family in her home town, 
tired of the pomps and vanities of this wicked world, 
determined to take a course in nursing. Much to the 

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Party Pastimes for the 

surprise of herself, friends, and family, she continued 
to the end and graduated with honor. This surprise 
luncheon was arranged by an elder sister. The table 
was covered with blue chambray, exactly like the hos- 
pital uniform, the centrepiece and plate doilies were of 
white linen, each having a red cross embroidered in the 
corner; the opposite corner had the guest's monogram. 
The centrepiece was a tall glass used for measuring in 
the diet kitchen and laboratories, and was filled with 
marguerites. The candles were white, in glass holders, 
with red cross decorations on the shades. Tiny white 
mortars held olives and nuts, and water was poured 
from large medicine bottles. Wee bonbons in shape of 
pellets were in pill boxes labeled with directions for tak- 
ing. These were very funny and the girls, all in uni- 
forms, caps, and aprons, entered heartily into the fun. 
On regular hospital report sheets each nurse found her 
name with laughable remarks as to her condition; a 
small skeleton (found) at the favorite counter, stood on 
top, supposed to be the ghost of a "first case'' come back 
to haunt its stern persecutor. A delicious menu was 
served with all the accessories that money, thought, and 
love could produce. Needless to say, the memory of this 
happy day will while away many a trying hour in the 
days to come, when these splendid girls are on real duty 
with their first cases long in the past. 

Amusing Pastime 

At an evening party where the guests were not well 
acquainted, the hostess did not have any especial feature, 
so she passed to each guest a card bearing ope of these 
various verselets, being careful to give each card to one 
she knew could do the stunt well. The first guest had 
this on hers: 

Though riddles do our minds distress. 
We'd like two good ones now to guess. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

And there were two good conundrums immediately 
forthcoming. 

Each guest read her card aloud before complying with 
its request. The following are good suggestions : 

We*d like to hear you tell to-day 
Some funny things that children say. 

Describe some woman in the town, 
Her nose and hair, her dress and gown; 
But do not give us her address, 
Nor tell her name, and we will guess. 

We'd like a story full of fun ; . 

You're gifted, Lyman, tell us one. 

Misery likes company, they say; 
We'd like to hear you tell to-day 
(Don't hesitate, but now begin) 
Of the worst scrape you e'er were in. 

Your talent gives us much delight; 
We wish that you would please recite. 

Your part in this programme to help us along 
Will give us much pleasure; please sing us a song. 

If music hath charms, we wish that to-day 

You'd prove it, and something quite charming would play. 

Tell some joke on yourself, your wife, or your friend, 
But we hope that you'll have it pleasantly end. 

Describe some trip you've taken far, 
To Mexico, Europe, or Zanzibar. 

Give a tale of old time when settlers were few, 
Of what they had then and what they did do. 

Describe some famous picture, 

Whether dark or fair. 
Please tell us all about it. 

And the artist rare. 

189 



Party Pastimes for the 

Without a bit of gossip sweet, 
This programme would not be complete. 
Be sure that while the seasons roll, 
This crowd will never tell a soul. 

A Stork Party 

This charming luncheon was not embarrassing to the 
guest of honor and was altogether a unique affair. The 
place cards were sealed envelopes, bearing the guests' 
names. The hostess asked them not to open them until 
the dessert course, then to begin at her left, each one to 
read the verse her envelope contained; the last to read 
was the lady on the right of the hostess and her verse 
told the story. 

This is the poem complete. It is called "The Song of 
the Red-Legged Stork,'' by Pauline C. Bowie. If a lunch- 
eon is not given, the story may be read, and the guests 
asked to determine whom the stork has honored, or the 
hostess may say : '*Mr. So-and-So is the fortunate one." 

Over the mists of the darkening wold, 

Where the skies are pale and the winds blow cold, 

Down where the gates of life, unfurled. 

Let the souls pass through the throbbing world. 

Flew the red-legged stork, 

And he flew and flew 
For ten score days and seventy more, 
Till he reached the house of the open door. 
Where the angel of gifts stood waiting near, 
With dimples and smiles and a glittering tear. 

Over white wastes of gleaming snow. 
Over fair meadows where buttercups grow. 
And fields where the red poppies sleepily nod 
To the songs of the robins, sung to God, 

Flew the red-legged stork, 

And he sang as he flew : 
"Winds do not hinder me — Time is fleet; 
Sun, do not burn me ; withhold your heat ; 
I carry a link love's chain to complete. 
And my burden is precious — a baby sweet 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

"Frost, do not blight me in my flight ; 
Rain, do not spoil my feathers white; 
For the way is long and Time is fleet, 
And my burden is precious — a baby sweet." 

Down under arches of shimmering blue. 

Where the south wind lives and the sun sifts thro'— 

Over still places, where moonbeams sleep, 

And the stars climb over the cloud-stair steep. 

Flew the red-legged stork, 

And he sang as he flew: 
"Blue of the heavens, color her eyes ; 
Kiss her soft feet, ye rose-flushed skies; 
1 carry God's message, men's love to meet, 
And my burden is precious — a baby sweet." 

A Bottle Party 

"Bring a bottle (empty), any size and shape, and come 
to my house Tuesday night." So said Polly's charac- 
teristic Httle note. Polly was always startling, always 
original; so, armed with our bottles, we presented our- 
selves at the time appointed. It was really very droll 
when the bottles all, great and small, were lined up on 
the table. Upon another table there were odds and 
ends of laces, ribbons, crepe papers, corks, cotton bat- 
ting, watercolor paints, needles, thread, and library paste, 
with numerous scissors arranged in piles. 

Then Polly explained that a bottle was to be trans- 
formed into a doll in a half-hour's time. Judges were 
appointed to criticise the finished creations and award 
the prizes. This stunt accomplished, we were led into a 
room, each one blindfolded in turn and handed a bottle 
containing one flower, which was to be guessed by its 
odor. There was an aster, a sunflower, heliotrope, mi- 
gnonette, rose, lemon, verbena, clematis, violet, etc. The 
flowers were all put in one bouquet as a prize for the 
one who guessed the most. Delicious cakes and ginger 
ale, as being "out of a bottle," were served about half 

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Party Pastimes for the 

after nine. At eleven o'clock tiny sandwiches, demi- 
tasses of cofifee, olives, and salted nuts were passed. 
The favors were small bottles of perfumery. 

An Afternoon in Spain 

A CLUB of young ladies who had been studying Spain 
and Portugal gave a very pretty closing day. They dec- 
orated the large living-room with red and yellow, using 
quantities of red and yellow tulips for their flowers. They 
bought a number of the Perry pictures illustrating paint- 
ings of Murillo and Velasquez, pinning them around the 
room. A large picture of King Alphonso was draped 
with the Spanish flag. Chili-con-carne was served by 
maids in Spanish costumes, consisting of short black 
skirts, red, white, or yellow waists, low shoes, stockings 
of black, red, or yellow, short black shawl, black lace 
mantillas, and plenty of bead necklaces. Spanish songs 
were sung and the national anthems of both countries, 
also some Spanish dances given by several young girls 
who had been taught the steps by a teacher of fancy 
dancing. Coffee, salted Valencia almonds, and peanuts 
were passed with Chili sandwiches. 

A Gridiron Party 

In return for a chafing dish party a half dozen young 
fellows sent out invitations for a Gridiron party at the 
home of a chap who was lucky enough to have a mother 
to prepare for him and then slip behind the scenes. 
Each girl was given an apron, and each man a white 
cap and an apron. 

The men grilled the lamb chops and the girls prepared 
the peas and made potatoes au gratin, and coffee. They 
had cheese, crackers and fruit for dessert, and it was a 
jolly little spread just at seven o'clock on a Saturday 
night. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

A Detestation Party 

The hostess said in her message, which was given 
over the telephone: "Please come, wearing an article 
which will express your greatest dislike." As men were 
included in the invitations we were prepared for some- 
thing very unusual and were not disappointed. There 
were twenty guests and here are a few examples of what 
happened: A sedate matron came completely covered 
with realistic little wiggly snakes, most of them pur- 
chased at a Japanese store; others were of the vivid 
green variety so much in favor for St. Patrick's day; a 
beau of the town appeared with his head adorned with 
a curious collection of false hair, braids, puffs, rats, 
varying from golden to jet black, which plainly showed 
his dislike for false hair. A young girl wore a necklace 
made from tiny imitation but realistic cigars, with cigars 
of larger size in her hair ; a young matron had a number 
of toy and candy mice adorning her white frock; one 
girl wore an enormous quantity of paste jewelry, strings 
of beads, etc., and another had her dress ornamented 
with advertisements of whisky and champagne. It was 
really a very clever affair and created much merriment. 

A Novel Paper Party 

This party had an unusual degree of novelty, and the 
guests had a royally good time. First on the programme 
was a paper race conducted as follows : Have as many 
ten-yard strips of paper (such as come around bolts of 
ribbon) as there are guests, also several pairs of blunt 
scissors. Choose three or four as jockeys, placing paper 
jockey caps on their heads. To each of the others give 
twenty paper gun-wads. 

Line up the jockeys with a number pinned on the sleeve 
of each. The others begin to bet on them with their 
gun-wad money. Stretch the rolls of paper ribbon across 

193 



Party Pastimes for the 

the room, each one held at the opposite end by a per- 
son selected from the guests. The jockeys have their 
end and a pair of scissors, and at the word "Go'' they 
start to cut the ribbon straight down the middle, going 
as fast as possible. If they run off they are disqualified 
and have to drop out. The one who reaches the other 
side with both bits of ribbon intact is the winner. This 
act may be repeated until all have tried or as long as 
the hostess deems best. First, second and third prizes 
may be awarded, and bets are to be settled at the end 
of every race. 

Next, the hostess presented each guest with a clothes- 
pin and a roll of colored tissue paper, some twine, pins, 
needle, and coarse thread, and said: ''See who can 
make the best doll in fifteen minutes." The results were 
laughable and very creditable in some instances. All 
the decorations throughout the house were of paper, and 
paper napkins and dishes were used when refreshments 
were served. Paper chains could be made for another 
contest, also a prize for the best articles cut from paper, 
like the hand-in-hand dolls we used to make in our 
childhood days. Caps are quickly made of paper and 
also very good-looking hats. 

• A Novelty Luncheon 

Six matrons who meet monthly for luncheon had a 
surprise at a recent gathering. The hostess said : ''Let's 
go back to our childhood days and play 'magic music' " 
To the tones of the piano, now loud, now soft, each one 
found and opened her parcel, which contained two col- 
ored bandanna handkerchiefs, with several yards of rib- 
bon. The hostess then passed her work basket, with 
thread, needles, thimbles, and scissors, and told her guests 
to fashion for themselves caps and aprons. After they 
were finished, which was in a short time, the hostess 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

informed them that her maid had given them notice 
and departed that morning, so they were all to help in 
cooking and serving the repast. 

This added to the merriment, and nearly everything 
was cooked on the table. They had creamed oysters in 
the chafing dish, the toast was made on an electric 
toaster, the coflfee bubbled in a percolater, hot rolls were 
brought in from a near by store, potatoes were quickly 
French fried by the hostess, who brought them in and 
kept them piping hot on one corner of the toaster ; pine- 
apple salad was on the side table, and the gelatin dessert 
already in tall glasses on a tray in the refrigerator. 

It was a great success, and the little hostess proved 
that sometimes disasters may be made into good times. 
With the many contrivances for lightening labor, 
Bridget's sudden giving notice is not so much to be 
dreaded. 

A New Word-Making Game 

A HOSTESS entertaining in honor of a visiting guest 
passed cards bearing the last name of her friend. The 
company was told to make as many words from the let- 
ters composing the name as they could in twenty minutes. 
A prize was awarded for the longest and shortest lists. 
This proved a very pleasant introduction and served as 
an ice-breaker, as the people were almost all entire 
strangers. This scheme is a good one for church socials, 
which are apt to be stiff if not conducted along the same 
lines as a private party. 

A Backward Party 

A "Backward'^ party will give an evening of rare 
fun, But ask only about twenty thoroughly congenial 
people. In the invitations state that masks of the plain- 
est possible description should be worn over the face, 
just to allow seeing and breathing, and a very much 

195 



Party Pastimes for the 

made-up face be put on the back of the head. The 
clothes are to be put on so as to make the back in front, 
etc. 

The invitation must be written on the back page of 
note paper and finished on the first page. When the 
guests arrive they will be greeted by a large placard 
requesting them to go to the back door. They will go 
up the back stairs and be received by the hostess in the 
kitchen. The girls will wear their dress-skirts wrong 
side out and the men their coats in the same ludicrous 
fashion. Ladies will ask the men to supper and to dance. 
The menu will begin with the dessert and end with soup, 
thus the whole affair will be as backward as it is possible 
to make it, and each guest is to be requested to '*look 
backward'' and relate some interesting reminiscence. The 
house should be lighted with lamps and candles. 

A Coiffure Party 

This is just the funniest kind of a party. Ask the 
guests to come in regular conventional evening attire 
with the exception of their heads ; both men and women 
must change the style of hair dressing. Either a pic- 
turesque or grotesque mode may be chosen. For in- 
stance, imagine a man in perfectly correct evening dress 
with his head representing an Indian chief in full war 
bonnet; or a matron well settled, as my colored maid 
describes a quite elderly person, with her hair in braids 
down her back. A most complete transformation takes 
place in the maid of pompadour fame when she appears 
with her hair parted and plastered down as slick as a 
newly peeled onion. Choose partners for refreshments 
by pairing off the very tallest men with the shortest girls ; 
have a man with ruler, pencil and paper to take the meas- 
urements. Award prize for the most changed person 
after having the company parade in a grand march be- 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

fore the committee who are asked to judge. Just try 
this scheme the next time some one asks you what to do 
to have some fun. 

An Evening in Holland 

The invitations said, 'The Travel club will be pleased 
to have you spend an evening in Holland, at the resi- 
dence of Mrs. Brown, January twelfth, at eight o'clock/' 

The house was transformed completely with the flag 
of Holland — red, white, and blue — at all doors and win- 
dows; then there were pictures of Queen Wilhelmina 
and reproductions of famous Dutch artists, such as 
Rembrandt, Potter, Hals, and others. There were storks 
and windmills on the dining-table, with a pair of wee 
wooden shoes at each place. Lacking real tulips and 
hyacinths, there were artificial ones, and members had 
sent any bits of delft they possessed or could borrow, 
as well as many post cards from Holland, which were 
all displayed upon a table. 

There were twelve members in this club, and they were 
asked to come in costume, which I describe rather 
minutely. 

The men wore dark jackets over bright vests, knee 
pants, low heavy shoes, with blue woollen stockings, 
broad soft hats, with rather pointed crowns. The Dutch 
fisherboy wore wooden shoes, very full trousers, coarse 
knitted stockings, a striped waist or blouse, red tie, and 
a visor cap. 

The girls wore full skirts of blue flannel, short- 
sleeved waists, laced over a w^hite shirt with short, full 
sleeves. A large white or colored kerchief was crossed 
over the breast and fastened at the waist. Fancy or 
white aprons, red stocks, wooden shoes completed a 
costume. The hair was parted and braided with a cap 
of white muslin or gay silk worn on the head. There are 
more elaborate headpieces of brass, with lace caps. The 

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Party Pastimes for the 

Dutch women are also very fond of wearing coral beads. 
The fact that Holland leads the world in making cheese 
furnished the subject for a very interesting paper. The 
hostess served potato salad, piping hot sausage grilled 
in the chafing dish, Dutch herring made into appetizing 
sandwiches, pickles, and cheese, and offered a choice of 
coffee, cocoa, or beer, with pretzels. 

A Novel Good Luck Party 

To a departing guest this charming party was given 
by two of her girl friends. It certainly was an original 
and delightful affair. Everywhere good luck emblems 
prevailed and were quite unusual, as there were large 
gilded horseshoes over the doors, also gilded wishbones, 
and hidden in nooks and corners throughout the rooms 
were lots of new, bright pennies. A little silk bag was 
given each guest, and the hunt for lucky cents began. A 
very dainty wishbone scarf pin was awarded the lucky 
finder of the most. 

For refreshments partners were found in this way. 
There were gilded horseshoes made of cardboard, then 
cut in two in various ways, so that when put together 
a perfect shoe was formed, the pieces had to fit exactly. 
This made a jolly time. The table centrepiece was a huge 
gold horseshoe encircling the candelabra, which had white 
candles and white shades upon which horseshoes and 
four-leaf clovers were the decoration. Ice cream was 
frozen in horseshoe moulds, and the cakes were iced 
with a gilt wishbone on the top. 

An Old-Fashioned Party 

"That Reminds Me'' on an invitation added a spice 
of novelty to the afternoon. Each guest told a story 
reminiscent or otherwise, and as they were all old friends 
a most delightful time was enjoyed. This is a capital 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

idea for a grandmothers' party. Use all the old-fash- 
ioned things obtainable, have a nosegay of pansies (for 
thoughts) at each place and serve this deliciously old- 
fashioned supper. 

Cold ham and chicken, creamed potatoes, tiny baking- 
powder biscuit, tomato pickles, brandied peaches, baked 
cup custard, rolled jelly cake, tea with cream and sugar. 
Have an old-fashioned bouquet of garden flowers, butter 
plates, a castor in centre of the table, and pour the tea 
at the table. 

Pass buttermilk in the afternoon, icy cold, in thin tum- 
blers or — better still — goblets. 



An Experience Party 

The invitations for this novel affair were given over 
the telephone — without which how did we ever live, 
move and have our being? The hostess asked each of 
her twelve guests to come prepared to tell in five min- 
utes some incident of their summer. Most of them had 
been on various vacation trips. In this way an hour's 
entertainment was delightfully furnished. Then there 
was a reading that lasted twenty minutes given by a 
friend who was good enough to share some of her un- 
published stories. The place cards laid on the tables 
spread on the porch were all foreign scenes collected by 
the hostess. Delicious sandwich rolls were served, iced 
coffee, olives, salted nuts, and bonbons. 

Menu from the Bible 

Each article on the bill of fare may be accompanied 
by a quotation, if it is desired to add a bit of novelty to a 
church supper, or it would be an enjoyable pastime for 
Sunday afternoon to look up the references: 

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Party Pastimes for the 



PREPARING FOR THE TABLE 

And Upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of 
blue, and put thereon the dishes and the spoons, and the bowls 
and covers to cover withal; and the continual bread shall be 
thereon. — Numbers iv, 7. 

Eat it with the bread that is in the basket. — Leviticus viii, 31. 

And salt without prescribing how much. — Ezra vii, 22. 

And a little oil in a cruse. — I. Kings, xvii, 12. 

The bright shining of a candle doth give thee light. — Luke 
xi, 36. 

Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my 
dinner, and all things are ready. — Matthew xxii, 4. 

Let us eat and be merry. — Luke xv, 23. 

A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry. — Eccle^ 
siastes x, 19, 

Ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, 
dulcimer, and all kinds of music. — Daniel iii, 5. 

Give us this day our daily bread. — Matthew vi, 11. 

Two hundred loaves of bread. — IL Samuel xvi, i. 

SOUP 

Pour out the broth. — Judges vi, 20. 

Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage. — Genesis 
XXV, 30. 

Eat this roll. — Ezekiel iii, i. 

Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's 
sake. — L Timothy v, 23, 

FISH 

We remember the fish which we did eat. — Numbers xi, 5. 
And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish. — Luke xxiv, 42. 
Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. — John xxi, 10. 
Eat thy bread with joy. — Ecclesiastes ix, 7. 
Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine. — John 
ii, 10. 

ENTREMETS 

Olives. — Micah vi, 15. 
And the hare. — Leviticus xi, 6. 
Chickens. — Matthew xxiii, 37. 
Harts . . . and fatted fowl. — L Kings iv, 23. 
Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink, for I am thirsty. 
— Judges iv, 19. 

There is a cup, and the wine is red. — Psalm LXXV, 8. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

ROASTS 

As of the roebuck, and as of the hart. — Deuteronomy xii, 15. 

A lamb. — Leviticus v, 7. 

All clean fowls you may eat. — Deuteronomy xiv, 20. 

VEGETABLES 

Take thou also unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and 
lentils, and millet. — Ezekiel iv. 9. 

We remember . . . the cucumbers, . . . and the leeks, 
and the onions, and the garlic. — Numbers xi, 5. 

After that the full corn in the ear. — Mark iv, 28. 

The manna was as coriander seed. — Numbers xi, 7. 

GAME 
And he brought quails. — Psalm CV, 40. 
Two young pigeons. — Leviticus v, 7. 
The partridge. — ^Jeremiah xviij 11. 
There is a crying for wine. — Isaiah xxlv, 11. 

DESSERT 

Carry these ten cheeses unto the captain. — L Samuel xvii, 18. 

Behold, a basket of summer fruit. — Amos viii, i. 

One cluster of grapes, and they brought of the pomegranates, 
and of the figs. — Numbers xiii, 23. 

One basket had very good figs. — Jeremiah xxiv, 2. 

Thou mayest eat grapes thy fill at thine own pleasure. — 
Deuteronomy xxiii, 24. 

We remember . . . the melons. — Numbers xi, 5. 

They brought . . . bunches of raisins, and wine. — L Chron- 
icles xii, 40. 

And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, . . . and 
royal wine in abundance. — Esther i, 7. 

Drink thy wine with a merry heart. — Ecclesiastes ix, 7. 

A Farewell Party 

A YOUNG woman v^ho is going to Europe for an ex- 
tended trip was the guest of honor at this really unique 
party. It was a luncheon, and the centrepiece was a toy 
dray piled high with miniature trunks (purchased in the 
toy department), and the place cards were suitcases, 
with the guest's name written on real labels and pasted 
on the side. A silver travelling cup in a russet leather 
case was at the traveller's place. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

After the luncheon had been served the maid brought 
in a pile of steamer letters, one from each guest present, 
to be read en voyage. After the dessert was on the table, 
a telegram from each one present was deHvered which 
were opened and read. 

Before leaving the table the little dray which had horses 
attached was helped around the board and unloaded, the 
trunks were filled with mints, and the suitcases with 
salted nuts. The dray was borrowed from a small boy's 
nursery for the occasion. 

After going into the drawing-room the hostess passed 
envelopes, each one containing a souvenir postal card, 
cut into odd bits puzzle-fashion. To the guest who suc- 
ceeded in putting the pieces together a prize was awarded 
of a fine foreign postal plainly mounted. 

A Farewell Gift 

A YOUNG woman who was going to Europe was the 
recipient of many parting gifts. This one she describes 
as affording her much amusement. The friend who sent 
it was fond of a joke and given to putting her thoughts 
in rhyme, as is shown below. The package was neatly 
wrapped, and on opening revealed a yard of inch-wide 
red ribbon to which were attached five daintily wrapped 
tissue paper packages; all seemed to be exactly the same 
size. The outside bore the date they were to be opened. 
This is what they contained and the jingle with them: 

A handkerchief to wave adieu, 

A lemon for use when you're feeling blue, 

A paper of pins to keep you tight, 

Some soda mints to hope you'll write. 

Fun in Acting Proverbs 

A COTERIE of young men and women found much 
amusement in acting proverbs. It was entirely im- 

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promptu and each one acted out in pantomime any pro- 
verb that happened to come into his mind, the rest of 
the company being the admiring audience while he or she 
performed. Sometimes two or more were required to 
act the parts. 

At the end of the evening the hostess gave the person 
who had acted the most a little prize. 

Here are a few of the proverbs acted: 

"There's many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip/' 
"Every dog has his day," "Birds of a feather flock to- 
gether/' "While the cat's away, the mice will play," "All 
is not gold that glitters/' "Two's company, three's a 
crowd/' "A fool and his money are soon parted/' 

Two Merry Games 

Anyone under thirty enjoys these games. The first 
IS called "Pass It." At each end of the drawing room 
have an empty clothes basket and another basket filled 
with articles of all sorts, such as books, balls, pens, pen- 
cils, shoehorn, bell, old hats, clothes brush, nail brush, 
old doll — in fact, anything that can be collected around 
the house. Choose by lot or ballot two captains, who 
then choose sides and place their players in line so that 
they face each other. A full basket is placed on the right 
of each captain and an empty one at the left of the 
players at the end of each line. At a signal from the 
one in charge each captain selects an article from his 
basket "and hands it to the next person, who immediately 
passes it as quickly as possible to the person at his side. 
In this manner the articles are picked up and rapidly 
passed on. If an article is dropped it has to go back to 
the captain and be started over again. The side which 
first lands everything in the basket at the other end wins. 
The prizes should be good things among the articles 
passed, such as boxes of chocolate cigarettes, wee favors 

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Party Pastimes for the 

like pencils, key rings, etc. It may add to the interest of 
the game to offer a prize to the player who can remember 
the names of the articles passed and write them down 
on a slip of paper ten minutes after the game has been 
played and the objects removed from sight. The hostess, 
of course, must have a correct list and check off the ar- 
ticles. This makes quite a memory test. 

The next game is so old that it was new to me. It is 
called *'Hop Over.'' The players are asked to form a 
circle about two feet apart from each other. The leader 
stands in the middle, holding a long, stout string to the 
end of which is tied a small book wrapped in paper. The 
person in the middle whirls the book around the circle 
on the floor, holding it by the string, and each time 
coming nearer the feet of the players who form the ring. 
As the book comes nearer and nearer the feet the play- 
ers must jump over it. As the book is whirled very 
rapidly the jumping becomes more lively and makes loads 
of fun. If the book touches the foot of anyone that 
person must take a turn in the middle and try to touch 
the foot of some one who will take his turn. Just try 
this and see how amusing it is. 

A Pioneer Picnic 

At a reunion of about a dozen old settlers, who 
gathered once a year to talk over old times, the hostess 
(one of the daughters of the oldest guest) thought it 
would be some great fun to ask all the younger members 
of the families to come attired as pioneers; the men to 
wear negligee shirts, unblacked boots; the girls calico 
frocks and sunbonnets. Kerosene lamps were resur- 
rected and with candles furnished the lights. Tin cups 
and dippers were in evidence, and bacon was broiled over 
the fireplace logs. The decorations were branches of 
trees and wild flowers. All the elderly guests were ex- 

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pected to give stories of their early days. The only 
modern thing was the invitations sent over the telephone ; 
whereas in the olden days such messages were carried 
by word of mouth, so all the neighbors were finally 
notified of the ''gathering" to be held. 

Novel Souvenirs for a Progressive Party 

At a recent bridge party, the hostess gave each guest 
a very pretty basket. For games won, the players re- 
ceived articles for a work basket; there were bodkins, 
dainty thimbles, small embroidery scissors, wee pin-cush- 
ions, tape needles, tape measures, needle books, emeries, 
papers of needles, cards of hooks and eyes, ribbon run- 
ners, etc. There were no other prizes given. The idea 
is a good one. All the things were of fine quality; the 
thimbles had been picked up in Italy for a mere trifle, 
being of silver gilt set with various semi-precious stones. 
At another party this same hostess gave small one-play 
books of Shakespeare bound in soft red leather. Once 
she had a beautiful bag for each player, regardless of 
who won or lost. 

Concerning a Cotillion 

A COTILLION (oftentimes spelled "cotillon," which is 
the French) is conducted in this way: There are a cer- 
tain number of couples, with a leader; if it is a large 
party of, say, fifty or sixty people, there should be two 
leaders. 

One couple, called "the head couple," may lead, or a 
man may lead alone. The latter is generally done. He 
signals by means of small castanets or a whistle when 
to begin to dance, when to stop, for couples to separate 
and choose other partners. His control is absolute. 

At the beginning of each figure it is the leader's duty 
to announce how many couples shall lead out — not more 
than ten as a usual thing. They dance together ; then at 

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Party Pastimes for the 

the signal separate and select other partners. Favors 
are given to them before they go for their partners. 

The girls are given favors for men, the men take 
favors for girls, and they in turn favor whomsoever they 
please. After this the two dance until the signal sepa- 
rates them and the young women are returned by their 
partners to their seats. Then a second ten couples lead 
out, and so on until the figure is ended. 

There are all sorts of clever figures for the cotillion; 
some do not have favors. 

This is a description of some figures, which were 
danced at a holiday cotillion. College lads and lassies 
were the guests, and the affair took place on the third 
floor ballroom of a home noted for its hospitality. 

For the ''snow man" figure the boys were covered 
with white paper bags with round holes cut for eyes. 
The girls had small snow-men figures with paper caps 
in colors pinned on their gowns. Each man danced with 
the girl whose cap matched the colored button placed in 
his buttonhole. Another figure was a large Japanese 
lantern filled with tiny toys, two of a kind; as the lan- 
tern was tossed about the toys fell out, and those match- 
ing toys danced together. 

The fife and drum figure was great. The men had 
whistles and the girls drums, each drum and each whistle 
being tagged with duplicate numbers and distributed 
among those who were to participate in the first waltz. 
The leader formed them in military array to the tune of 
"Mulligan Guards," and at the proper signal all danced. 

The last figure savored of Japan. All the girls were 
given lanterns and all the men a box of wax taper 
matches. When the signal was given the men. lit the 
lanterns and held them over the girls. The electric 
lights were turned out for a time, but turned on as the 
clock struck twelve, and *'Home, Sweet Home" sounded. 

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A Birthday Dinner 

A YOUNG matron celebrated her husband's birthday in 
this most charming and original manner: Five couples 
were asked, all congenial, intimate friends. Each one 
was asked to bring a joke gift representing his or her 
calling in life. The men represented their occupations 
and most of the women took articles representing what 
would have been their occupation had they remained un- 
appropriated blessings. 

The result was something like this: The two physi- 
cians in the party brought bottles of pills with laughable 
inscriptions, a doll-size hot-water bag and a medicine 
glass were typical of the girls who would have been 
trained nurses. The lawyer sent a can of '^lye'' as typi- 
cal of his profession. It was wrapped in tissue paper 
and sent in a box of flowers. The president of a clean 
towel supply company brought a pair of diminutive 
towels with a cake of soap to match in size. A toy thea- 
tre was sent by one wife as indicative of what she "might 
have been." 

All these gifts were given at the table with the dessert 
course. Just before leaving the dining-room the maid 
brought in a bunch of American Beauty roses, each one 
tied with a ribbon and a card bearing a wish for the 
happy occasion. 

There was a candle-lighted cake and the birthday man 
said it was *'most as much fun as being a boy again," 
**that birthdays were not half bad celebrated in this man- 
ner." The guests all said it was the j oiliest time imag- 
inable. The moral is : Just because you are no longer 
twenty-one do not let the birthdays pass unrecognized. 
Learn to grow old gracefully. 

A Unique Card Party 

Any game of cards may be played at this party that 
the hostess prefers or that is popular in the town. Re- 

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Party Pastimes for the 

quest the guests to dress in costumes representing either 
the face or suit cards. For instance, have two five of 
diamonds, one a lady and one a man, so that when all 
have arrived partners may be chosen for the first game. 

The prizes may be a handsome deck of cards in a 
case, a book on card games, ferns growing in a pretty 
jar, a bit of brass, or a piece of pottery. The score cards 
may be cut out of cardboard in the shape of diamonds, 
hearts, clubs, and spades; the markers may be of these 
same figures, cut out of thin colored paper and gummed 
a few days before they are used, so they will be dry. 

Serve hot bouillon, oyster patties, sweetbread salad, 
orange sherbet, small cakes, cofifee, nuts, bonbons. If 
ice cream is preferred, use the brick, cut in thin slices, 
ornamented with tiny hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades 
cut from citron and candied cherries. 

For the New House 

Home: not merely four square walls, 
Though with pictures hung and gilded; 

Home is where affection calls — 
Home is where the heart has builded. 

The men of earth build houses 

Of brick and wood and stone, 
The women of earth — God knows, 

The women build the homes. 

All old fashions are becoming new fashions and a 
custom that is surely worthy of revival is the hearth 
motto and the house-warming. William Dean Howells 
has an especially peaceful sentiment over a fireplace in 
his hospitable home, which reads: "Home-Keeping 
Hearts Are the Happiest.'' Henry James in his English 
house has this worthy saying, which, by the way, is from 
the Japanese : **Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil." 
This certainly ought to revolutionize society, if read 
often enough and remembered. 

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A prime favorite for the nursery is Robert Louis 
Stevenson's ever popular: 

The world is so full of a number of things ; 
I am sure we should all be as happy as kings. 

Dickens has said so much for us to live by, and what 
could be more inspiring for a living-room than ''Reflect 
upon your present blessings — of which every man has 
many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all men 
have some''? 

It is a very pretty custom to have the new house con- 
secrated by the family clergyman, each room having a 
simple ceremonial. 

The following is a charming toast for a house-warm- 
ing, and might be read in the entrance hall : 

Peace to this house where we shall enter in, 
Here let the world's hoarse din 
Against the panels dash itself in vain, 
Like gusts of autumn rain; 

Here, knowing no man's sway, 
In the brief pauses of the fight, 
Let music sound, and love and laughter light 

Refresh us for the day. 

A Japanese Tea Party 

Japanese aflfairs are always effective and pleasing to 
one's guests. To make the rooms as realistic as possible 
much of the furniture should be removed, partitioning 
off spaces where necessary with Japanese paper screens. 
Use flowering shrubs, almond blossoms (artificial), 
chrysanthemums and butterflies suspended by invisible 
black threads. The hostess must bow very low three 
times, saying "Konichiwa" when the guests arrive and 
*'Sayonara" when they leave. Tea should be served with 
no cream ; use cups without handles. Sponge cakes may 
be served if rice cakes are not obtainable, also preserved 

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ginger. If something cold is wished have cherry ice. 
Those who assist should wear kimonos. 

Have some young girls in Japanese costumes play 
'*bag bair' (dama). Have a number of bright-colored 
bags filled with dried beans. Each girl tries to keep as 
many bags going as possible without dropping them. 
Another amusing game is played by means of a long 
silk scarf, in the centre of which is a loose knot or loop, 
held midway between the two players who hold the 
scarf on the floor. On one side of the loop a player sits. 
On the other side is a small object, a flower, a bean bag, 
even a thimble. The player who sits by the loop tries to 
slip her hand through, grab the small article and take 
her hand back again before those holding the loop can 
draw it tight and make her hand prisoner, 

Japanese Fan-Tan 

At a Japanese affair this delectable concoction was 
served. I give the recipe as it came to me feeling sure 
it will be very welcome. 

To make fan-tan, cook a half-cupful of well-washed 
rice in a pint of milk until very soft. Stir in a heaping 
tablespoonful of sugar and one well-beaten egg and re- 
move at once from the fire. Mix in a half-cupful of 
assorted candied fruits, cherries, apricots, and pineapple, 
and turn into a shallow, well-buttered pan to cool. When 
firm, cut into strips about an inch and a half wide and 
three inches long ; dip in egg and breadcrumbs and brown 
delicately on both sides in butter. Drain, dust with 
powdered sugar, and serve hot. 

For a Japanese Party 

Write the invitations as the natives do— up and down, 
instead of across, using the regular Japanese stationery, 
which comes in rolls, or use paper napkins. Sometimes 

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I have seen little notes enclosed in tiny lanterns or tightly- 
clasped in the arms of small Japanese dolls; if either 
are used, of course the invitations are delivered by 
messengers. 

There is scarcely any limit to the decorations, as there 
are so many articles to use, screens, fans, parasols, bead 
portieres, bamboo tables and chairs, with a profusion of 
pink tissue paper cherry-blossoms. Burn Japanese in- 
cense; if cards are pla>ed, lovely ones are obtainable with 
Japanese scenes on the backs. Instead of a bell use a 
gong for starting the games, and for keeping score use 
small Japanese favors, of which there is a great variety. 
For finding partners it is a pretty idea to match fans. 
Any number of Oriental articles are obtainable from 
which to select prizes, such as doilies, lacquered boxes, 
bronzes, carved ivories, handleless cups in Canton china. 
Serve ice-tea punch during the game, then a Japanese 
salad composed of a number of vegetables served in 
chrysanthemum paper cases, cherry ice, rice cakes, 
Chinese nuts ; and, for fun, chop sticks could be passed 
tied with yellow ribbon for souvenirs. Use on this occa- 
sion a good quality of tissue paper napkins. While there 
is nothing very new in the Japanese scheme, it is always 
effective and people never seem to tire of it. 

An Airship Dinner 

Every one is more or less interested in the great ex- 
periments being made in aviation, so with this in mind 
a hostess used a lovely miniature airship gotten at the 
toy department, over her table at a dinner given for eight 
guests. The favors were diminutive airships and the 
place cards were painted with balloons and airships float- 
ing over the surface of the card. Each guest was asked 
to express his or her opinion upon the success of the 
aeroplanes; as several of the guests had had actual ex- 

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perience this was a most interesting feature of the affair. 
One of the women had been ''up'' and another was about 
to accept an invitation, so it was all very exciting. Per- 
haps the time is not far distant when "sky" pilots will 
be as necessary as pilots on the sea. 

A Successful Progressive Dinner 

This progressive dinner was given to six couples, but 
the idea may be carried out with a larger or smaller num- 
ber. The ladies changed at each course instead of the 
gentlemen, and after the dessert course each man was 
asked to describe the gown of his first partner. Below 
are given appropriate quotations for the place cards; 
each lady takes hers with her when she progresses, the 
men retain theirs. A menu is also given with just six 
courses, for the benefit of the hostess, who may like to 
enliven a dinner party with this scheme. 

For the ladies' cards: 

Happy have we met, happy have we been, 
Happy may we part and happy meet agam. 

What fates impose 

The men must needs abide. 

I have no parting sigh to give 
So take my parting smile. 

Press nobly on. 

I will abide on thy left (right) side 
And hold the bridge with thee. 

Another move in the right direction. 

For the men: 

A clock serves to point out the hours, and a woman to make 
us forget them. 

She's gone; I am abused. 

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Thus pleasures fade away. 

So fare thee well! and may the indulgent gods grant thee 
every wish! 

An hour like this is worth a thousand passed in pomp or ease. 

Pleasure that comes unlooked for is thrice welcome. 

The menu is as follows : 

Oysters on the Half- Shell. 

Olives, Almonds, Celery, Jelly. 

Chicken Gumbo Soup, Breadsticks. 

Bluefish, Sliced Cucumbers. 

Broiled Sweetbreads, Peas. 

Roast Beef, Brussels Sprouts, Potato Croquettes. 

Yorkshire Pudding, Lemon Sherbet. 

Chocolate Ice Cream. 

Coffee, Cheese, Nuts, Cake. 

A ''Commerce" Party 

A HOSTESS noted for her nev^- and clever ideas amused 
her guests at a recent affair v^ith w^hat she called a 
'^commerce" party. She had a number of inexpensive 
articles done up in parcels, allotting three to each guest. 
The trifles w^rapped up v^ere found at the five and ten 
cent store, and there v^ere vegetables, fruit and funny 
joke things. Under the cord of each package there was 
slipped an ordinary playing card, the mate to the card 
is taken from another pack ; these cards are shufifited and 
dealt to each player, who has besides the cards a small 
silk bag containing twenty-five beans. Then the number 
of the card on one of the parcels is called oflf, for ex- 
ample, the eight of diamonds ; the one holding the cor- 
responding eight of diamonds receives the parcel, and so 
on until all are allotted. Each guest now secretly opens 
his or her package. If the contents are to their Hking, 
nothing more is done, otherwise they tie the article up so 

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Party Pastimes for the 

as not to divulge the shape and they endeavor to sell it 
to some one for so many beans. This is a jolly stunt if 
all enter into the spirit with zest, and if the hostess has 
chosen a lot of ridiculous articles for the bundles. 



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CHAPTER XIV.— PARTY PASTIMES FOR 

CHILDREN'S BIRTHDAYS AND 

COMMON DAYS 



T 



New Geography Party 

HIS party was arranged and carried out by a fond 
aunt for her Httle niece, aged ten. There were 
twenty guests, and the invitations read thus : 

Miss Dorothy Brown requests the pleasure of Miss Mary 
Collinses company at a geography party on Tuesday from four to 
seven, April 21, at 3425 Spring street. Costumes. 

The invitations were sent out a good two weeks in 
advance to give the mothers time to talk it over and plan 
the costumes. In many instances, what the children 
already possessed determined the character they repre- 
sented. For example: The little boy who had a com- 
plete Indian outfit went as *The first American"; a lad 
who rejoiced in a good big, fat plaster pig went as an 
Irishman with a clay pipe and a high hat, a vivid green 
necktie, and a quaint little black swallow-tail coat worn 
over brilliant green knee breeches. The young hostess 
represented "Miss Geography.'' Her dress was of pale 
blue silk, with a band of maps around the bottom put 
on with library paste ; a wide girdle was the equator. It 
was of black velvet and the shoulders had a series of 
graduated capes of grayish silk, marked "Cape Horn," 
"Cape Hatteras." Her neck was circled by the isthmus 
of Panama. On her head she wore a cunningly devised 

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Party Pastimes for the 

cap of papier mache made from a globe. In her hand 
she carried a wand, from which blue and white ribbons 
streamed, bearing the names North and South Poles. 

One of the amusements was a jolly game called *'Mail 
Bags.'' The guests sat on chairs in a semicircle and 
when the leader called out "The mail is going from Ire- 
land to Mexico/' the two children representing these 
places ran and changed chairs as quickly as possible. 
When the leader called ''General Delivery" then every 
one changed places, a chair being taken out quickly by 
the leader and the one who was left became the leader 
when the next mail went out. Another game proved a 
great success. A large map of Europe was hung on the 
wall and each child was given a bit of paper marked 
"Dan" (I must explain that Dan was about to go to 
Europe for the summer) ; the game was to study the map 
first to find the location of Paris ; then each child in turn 
was blindfolded and tried to see how near he could come 
to putting "Dan" in Paris. Each slip of paper was left 
just where placed on the map until all had tried. Then 
it was great fun to see where "Dan" found himself. 
Only one came any place near Paris. 

The last amusement of all was the most fun. The 
guests were told to form in line and go into the next 
room to buy their tickets for the country or place they 
represented. They found a real ticket office, with an 
accommodating father as the business-like agent. As 
the applicant presented himself the question was : "What 
country are you ?" The answer, we'll say, was "France." 
"Well, here is a ticket for Paris." When the Indian 
reached the office, the agent said : "Of course you want 
to see Uncle Sam, so here's a ticket for Washington." 
The Irishman bought a ticket for Cork, and when all 
twenty passengers were ready to start they went back 
to the living-room and found a train of twenty chairs 

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waiting to begin the journey. A conductor and engineer 
were on handle with whistle and punch, and as the tickets 
were punched, each child got off the train and found his 
or her city or place of destination on a large map of the 
world hanging on the wall. There was a pointer so all 
could see the place when found. From each destination 
there was suspended a ribbon attached to a small parcel 
which the traveller took for his own and returned to the 
train. When all had their parcels the journey was ended. 
The favors were small bandboxes, trunks, and suitcases, 
filled with bonbons. 

A Tradesman's Carnival 

A MOTHER of three lovely children confided to me that 
her great success in entertaining children was due to her 
aim to have each little guest equally interested. 

With this idea in mind she gave this novel and really 
fascinating party. She called it "The Tradesman's Car- 
nival.'' The very name excited the curiosity of the chil- 
dren as well as their mothers. The hours were from 
three to five thirty on a Saturday afternoon. The ages 
of the guests were from eight to twelve. 

The tradesmen she had represented were a tailor, dress- 
maker, potter, jeweller, fiower-maker, sign-painter, artist, 
basket-maker, upholsterer and carpenter. Two or per- 
haps three worked at the same trade. When the guests 
arrived they were given cards with the name of the 
trade they were to represent. Then the little craftsmen 
went to a table, where their materials were prepared 
ready for them, and one or two assistants to show how 
they were to work. One hour was the time allotted to 
make the finished products; then a bell was rung and 
the articles collected and placed on exhibition. The 
children were allowed to vote as to the first, second and 
third best piece and then the prizes were awarded. Each 

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Party Pastimes for the 

child took home the object made and each received a 
souvenir, so felt satisfied. 

The Game of Bird-Catcher 

To play the game choose by lot, or "counting out,'' v^ho 
is to be the bird-catcher ; he or she then gives each one the 
name of a bird, barring the owl, as it is forbidden. All 
sit in a circle with hands on the knees, except the bird- 
catcher, who stands in the centre and tells a story about 
birds, mentioning the ones that have been selected. When 
the name of the bird that a person has selected is men- 
tioned that person rises and imitates the call of that bird 
as well as he can, but when the bird-catcher mentions the 
owl all hands are immediately placed behind the chairs 
and remain there until the name of a bird is mentioned. 
When the bird-catcher says *'A11 the birds" at any time 
during the story the players all give their calls. If a 
player fails to give his call when the name is mentioned, 
or forgets to put his hands behind the chair, he has to at 
once take the place of the bird-catcher and continue the 
story or pay a forfeit. 

Tongue Twister 

I OVERHEARD a buuch of youugsters giving each other 
what they were pleased to call '^Tongue Twisters'' ; it 
reminded me of "Pickled Peppers," etc., of our childhood 
days, so I jotted down this one, which was new to me. 
Now, try it, all you youthful readers. 

A bitter biting bittern 

Bit a better brother-bittern ; 
And the bitten better bittern bit the bitter biter back. 

And the bitter bittern, bitten 

By the better bitten bittern, 
Said, "Fm a bitter bittern-bitter bit, alack I" 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

A Fairy Gift Bag 

A FAIRY gift bag is somewhat newer than the Jack 
Horner pie. It is a pretty way of dispensing souvenirs 
to the children, and adds an element of mystery that 
youngsters love. They may be just as expensive or 
cheap as the hostess wishes. First select the requisite 
number of toys or favors, wrap neatly in tissue paper of 
two colors, one for boys and one for girls ; tie very se- 
curely with colored cord or ribbon. Pale green and pink 
or red and white make good combination of colors. Get 
a large brown paper sack from the grocer, one that will 
hold all the parcels without crowding. Now cover this 
bag with a dainty crepe paper and make two bows of 
ribbon ; fasten on either side of the bag quite low down. 
Attach a ribbon to each parcel (very narrow) three-quar- 
ters of a yard long. These ribbons fall over the top of 
the bag when it is tied up, and look very pretty. Next 
blindfold each child, one at a time, and let them walk to 
the bag and select a ribbon, standing perfectly still ; then 
when all have ribbons they are pulled good and hard, the 
bag bursts and each one has a favor. Sometimes the 
children are given a stout cane and each allowed a strike 
at the bag until it bursts. A hostess may choose her own 
method. For very small children a little tale may be 
told of how a good fairy has filled the bag for the party, 
and interest will rise to fever heat by the time the bag is 
opened. 

Progressive Puzzle Party 

The requirements for this party are children to make 
four at a table, as many tally cards and pencils as guests, 
a box of seals for marks or a punch — and a couple of 
prizes; the hostess may have more of the latter if she 
deems best. It may be possible to borrow enough puzzles 
or cheap ones may be purchased. For very young chil- 

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Party Pastimes for the 

dren, sliced animals and sliced birds will be popular. 
There should be a puzzle for each guest. Sometimes the 
puzzles are given as prizes, each child taking his home. 
All these details must be decided by each individual 
hostess. The tally cards may be made at home in the 
shape of an interrogation point cut from colored card- 
board. Number each one at the top, then place cor- 
responding numbers on the puzzles. For instance, the 
players who have Nos. i, 2, 3, 4 will take puzzles marked 
I J 2, 3, 4, and go to the head table, which will be marked 
No. I. Those who draw 5, 6, 7, 8 will take puzzles 
marked the same and go to table No. 2. When a player 
finishes at the head table a bell is rung, and each child 
moves a number ahead ; then every player who has solved 
the puzzle has a punch in the tally card or a seal affixed. 
The hostess must use her own judgment how long the 
progressions shall last, as the secret of success in any 
party is not to let the guests become weary; stop while 
eager to go on. This party scheme is best adapted to 
children from eight to ten years of age. Serve chicken 
sandwiches, cocoa with marshmallows in the cups, ice 
cream in fancy moulds, and small cakes. Individual 
cakes are much better for children's parties than layer 
ones. 

Games for Outdoor Parties 

Outdoor affairs are very popular, and in consequence 
we are on the lookout for pastimes suitable for the lawn, 
the shore, and the porch. One called '*stagarino'' is 
played by having two bases opposite each other, say at 
either end of the grounds; the players are on either side 
with **It'' in the middle (the latter being chosen by draw- 
ing lots or the old-time method of ^'counting out''). The 
game is to run from one goal to the other without being 
caught. When once touched he or she joins in trying to 
catch the others. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

"Fire buckets'' is another jolly game, so called from 
the old way of passing buckets of water from hand to 
hand in the volunteer fire companies. The players are 
formed in two long lines opposite each other with cap- 
tains at the head who have a basket or box filled with all 
sorts of hastily collected articles — handkerchiefs, balls, 
hats, hair ribbons, pocket knives, etc., which are to be 
passed on one at a time until the end of the line is 
reached; the last player, depositing the objects on the 
ground beside him, begins at once to pass them back. 
The line first accomplishing the task wins. 

Here is a new version of Blind Man's Buff: Divide 
the players into sides ; all on one side are blindfolded and 
the other side are given little bells. No running is 
allowed and only a certain space allowed to play in. 
When caught the bell is surrendered and the captive is 
blindfolded. A most laughable stunt is to seat two per- 
sons opposite each other on the ground, blindfold them, 
and see who can feed the other a small saucer of rolled 
cracker crumbs first. This is a popular game with the 
birds, for they are assured a most luxurious meal after 
the merry picnickers are gone. For grown-up young 
people the game of "Mystic Thoughts" is a good one, 
and if cleverly done is really quite exciting. Two per- 
sons work together and arrange their method beforehand. 
They tell the company that much of their success depends 
upon their concentration. One of the two then disap- 
pears out of sight and hearing, the one remaining asks 
the circle to definitely settle on a trade and think of that 
one thing so steadily that the right thought may be trans- 
mitted to the absent one, who is then asked to come back. 
The co-worker asks a number of questions such as "Is it 
a painter?" "No." "Is it a minister?" "No." "Is it 
a blacksmith?" "Yes." The trick is to mention a pro- 
fession just before the trade agreed upon is mentioned. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

Another mystic stunt is called ''Black Art/' An object 
is decided upon and the questioner asks his co-worker all 
sorts of articles, mentioning a black object just before the 
right one. It often takes some time to discover these 
tricks and sometimes the company remain mystified, 
which is so much the better, as they are good for another 
party. 

Some New, Old Games 

Try this innovation on the old way of playing Blind 
Man's Buff. Count out to see who will be the blind man, 
then tell him to imagine himself in a barnyard. Let each 
one in the ring choose silently what animal he will be. 
Hand the blind man a wand or cane, and any person he 
touches with it must take hold of it and imitate some 
barnyard creature ; of course disguising the voice as much 
as possible. If guessed correctly, the child takes the 
place of the blind man. Sometimes two trials of guess- 
ing are allowed, this to be decided before the game is 
commenced. The game of Bag and Wand is always wel- 
come. Suspend a good-sized paper sack from the centre 
of the room. Fill the sack with paper-wrapped candies, 
snapping mottoes, English walnuts wrapped in gold and 
silver paper, and any other small articles that will be un- 
harmed by falling. Blindfold each child in turn, hand 
the striker a stout cane with which to make three strikes 
in an attempt to break the bag. When the bag is broken 
all the rest of the children scramble for the goodies as 
they fall. Advertising Pictures is a new rendering of 
the old and beloved ''Bird, Beast, Animal.'' A child 
stands in the centre of a circle with a soft sofa pillow 
which he throws at one of the party, who must reply with 
an advertising picture before the one in centre can count 
ten. The fun of this game is that advertisements cannot 
be named twice. This makes the players keep their wits, 
and adds interest to the game. It is best fitted for 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

youngsters of from twelve to sixteen. Even grown-up 
people enjoy this pastime. In fact grown-ups should be 
a factor where it is possible in all children's plays, espe- 
cially at parties. 

Backyard Party 

An innovation in children's parties was started by a 
mother of three, whose babies dearly loved company. 
She sent cards illustrated with sunbonnet babies asking 
a dozen children to come in their ''rompers'' from three 
to five. On a bright Saturday afternoon the merry 
throng appeared to find a load of delightfully clean sand ; 
a set of sand toys for each child and a pail and shovel. 
There was a low table, a tub of water with which to mix 
the sand to the right consistency for pies ; spoons, cake 
tins and shakers to sprinkle ''sugar" and "salt." Oh, 
joy ! there was a dish of flour for icing. 

It was the jolliest, happiest party imaginable. Sand- 
wiches, ice cream, cake (angel food) and lemonade were 
served, and each child took home the sand toys for 
souvenirs, including the shovel and pail. 

A neighborhood carpenter made a long low table from 
which the eatables were passed, the children sitting on 
long benches hastily constructed by the same obliging 
man. A white paper tablecloth, napkins, and doilies were 
used, with little pasteboard plates. 

Children's Buttercup Party 

Somehow children and buttercups always seem to go 
together; so, in a locality (and there are many) where 
buttercups grow, try this pretty party. Use this merry 
little jingle for the invitation, which may be written in 
gold ink on a white card : 

My dear friend, 

A welcome most hearty 
To you I extend 

To my buttercup party. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

If skilful with water colors do a row of tiny figures 
across the card with buttercup caps and buttercup wands 
in the hand. Decorate with the showy blossoms com- 
bined with feathery grasses. 

The first diversion may be a "buttercup" contest, man- 
aged like the time-honored donkey party, only instead of 
the stubborn little beast minus the tail have a large yellow 
buttercup pinned on the sheet, made from cambric or 
drawn with yellow crayons, minus the stem. Blindfold 
each child in turn, and see who comes the nearest in pin- 
ning on the pasteboard or cloth stem. Award a prize. 

In the next stunt, provided the children can spell, pass 
cards with the word ''Buttercup'' at the top, and see how 
many words may be made in ten minutes, no letter to be 
used more times than it appears in the word. The best 
fun is the last, when little baskets of yellow, tied with a 
yellow ribbon on the handle, are given to each with 
orders to find all the ''buttercups" (candy) possible. Of 
course these have all previously been hidden, and if the 
weather is very hot, each buttercup should be wrapped in 
waxed paper. 

These candies come in colors, so additional interest 
may be added by having so many of a color counting so 
much in way of points for the prize ; besides, each child 
is to keep all that he finds. 

On the table have a mound of buttercups combined 
with ferns ; at each plate, if obtainable, get the small doll- 
3ize jardinieres, put a wee cluster of buttercups in each 
one for favors to take home. Serve chicken and lettuce 
sandwiches, lemonade, orange cake, and cream. 

If a small maiden is to be the hostess at such a party 
she could wear a frock with a yellow sash and hair bow. 

A Mechanical Toy Party 

The invitation said : "Bring your favorite mechanical 
toy to my house on Saturday afternoon." This party was 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

wonderful, the motley array of toys assembled with their 
owners on the broad porch of a suburban home, one day 
last week. 

There were spiders, beetles, bugs, both large and small, 
kicking mules, a train of cars, boats that made records 
across the tub ocean, a fort that blew up at exactly the 
right moment, soldiers who went through the manual of 
arms, and, of course, automobiles that went and also 
stopped and refused to go, quite like the real machines. 
One young hopeful had borrowed his sister's Paris doll 
that lisped her name and said "papa" and "mamma'' as 
a well-bred child should. 

After the merits of the respective toys had been dis- 
cussed and put through their paces, the good home-maker 
appeared with a repast that delighted the boys. There 
were hard-boiled eggs, a fruit salad, sandwiches, fancy 
crackers and a big bowl of pink lemonade to which free 
access was given. 

A party like this is absolutely no trouble, you see, as 
far as the entertaining is concerned, for each youthful 
guest furnished not only his own amusement, but some 
for all the others. Just go to the toy department of a 
great store and revel in the wonders there ; it's a revela- 
tion. 

A Paper Doll Party 

There were twelve little maids, literally from school, 
who were asked by the twelfth little maid's mother to 
come to spend the afternoon and bring their scissors. 
There were two colored fashion sheets for each to choose 
the lady they liked best ; then they made complete ward- 
robes for this doll and had a perfectly lovely time. The 
dolls were taken home as souvenirs. Lemonade in tall 
glasses with small cakes was served, with ice-cream snow- 
balls, which were vanilla cream balls dipped in grated 
cocoanut. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

An Indian Party 

Now that so many children have Indian suits, try this 
for a party : Put up one or two wigwams and send the 
invitations on paper arrows through which a feather is 
thrust. Have them delivered by the little Indian who is 
to be the host. Girls may be dressed as squaws. 

There are Indian postcards, which would make very 
good place cards for souvenirs. For refreshments serve : 

Corn Meal Mush With Milk. 

Fish or Some Kind of Game. 

Corn Muffins. 

Indian Meal Pudding. 

made in individual ramekins. 

Make a contest of stringing beads and have a game of 
archery. 

New Idea for a Birthday Party 

At a party given in honor of a twelve-year-old daugh- 
ter's natal day, a clever mother planned this surprise: 
The name of the birthday girl was Rose, so she pro- 
cured a roll of lovely pink crepe paper and a dozen little 
pasteboard plates such as bakers use. These she covered 
neatly with the paper, placed a white iced patty cake upon 
it with a pink rose candle-holder and pink candle in the 
centre. When the big birthday cake was lighted each 
guest was given a wax taper and told to light her own 
wee candle. The effect was lovely and the children de- 
lighted; each one took home the plate and some saved 
the cake to "show mother.*' 

Half the fun in going to a party is taking home the 
spoils. A mother realizing this provided each small guest 
with a tiny gilded market basket to which the name card 
was attached with a bow of ribbon and in this receptacle 
the children took home bits of candy, their favors, etc. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

New Blind Man's Buff 

For a new game of Blind Man's Buff form a large 
circle and number each person in rotation, as many num- 
bers as there are players. Count out to ascertain who 
will be the first blind man, then place him in the centre 
of the circle. He must then call two numbers quite 
widely separated, like two and ten, and the ones having 
those numbers must take each other's place. If one can 
be caught, he is '*it." If the blind man fails to catch 
anyone for some time he has the privilege of calling 
ICO, when every one changes places, making it easy for 
someone to get within his reach. This is a good, jolly 
game, and children love it. 

Novel Birthday Party 

At a birthday party given for a ten-year-old girl the 
guests were asked to come wearing an object to represent 
a Mother Goose character. To illustrate: Little Boy 
Blue tooted a horn and carried a wee woolly sheep. Miss 
Muffet was adorned by a huge spider which did not seem 
to frighten her in the least, although it was very close 
beside her. The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe car- 
ried an armful of dolls which caused her a great deal of 
trouble. When all had arrived, cards were passed and 
small pencils; the names of the boys and girls present 
were written on the cards, and each child was to write 
opposite the name the character he thought was repre- 
sented. *'Big Sister" kindly looked over all the lists and 
determined who had the most correct and awarded the 
prize, which consisted of a lovely Jack Horner pie from 
which sugar plums for every one were drawn, the winner 
keeping the pretty gilt basket in which the pie was made ; 
the top was covered with crepe tissue paper, and a pink 
ribbon came through for each guest. Delicious tarts 

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Party Pastimes for the 

were a feature of the refreshments, supposed to have been 
made by the Queen of Hearts- 
Birthday Party for Eight-Year-Old 

Each child was given a wooden plate and a paper nap- 
kin. Then over the grounds were interesting booths, 
shaded by large green and white umbrellas. They were 
also placarded No. i, No. 2, etc. There was a grown 
person to lead at the head of the procession. The first 
stop was No. I, which proved to be *1emonade," with a 
big porcelain cup for each child. No. 2 was sandwiches, 
cold meats, potato salad and olives. Here the guests sat 
in a semicircle on a big rug. Then they progressed to 
No. 3, and had ice cream ; then to No. 4, where the booth 
had bonbons and fruit. No. 5 had piles of little bags, 
and was the starting point for a peanut hunt ; some were 
gilded, some silvered, and some tied with blue ribbon. 
The gold nuts scored 20, silver 10 and blue ribbons were 
5. The one who had the highest score won a pie, the 
next highest and the lowest also had rewards. 

Animal Blind Man's Buff 

I FIND many versions of old-time games ; for instance, 
this way of playing our old favorite. Blind Man's Buff : 
Seat the children in a circle, or they may stand. The 
leader is chosen by the time-honored custom known as 
"counting out," blindfolded and placed in the middle. 
He is given a cane ; he then walks around the circle, stops 
and points the cane. The one it touches or comes closest 
to must repeat in a disguised tone the noise made by 
either a cat, dog, cow or horse. He may repeat the 
sound three times. K the blind man cannot guess he 
must try some one else ; if he names the right child, that 
one takes the place of the leader. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

A Grandmother Party 

The invitations, which portrayed a dear old lady in a 
pen and ink sketch, read as follows : 

If you're quite fond of your cup of tea, 

Do come and have one or two with me. 

Please dress yourself as your grandmother dressed. 

In her everyday clothes, or in her best. 

Grandma Brown at home will be 

On January third, precisely at three. 

And the quaint grandmothers who responded ! 

And quainter still were the dear little mannerisms of 
each delightful old lady. The costuming would have 
afforded amusement enough, but there were provided 
little slips of paper on which were written questions about 
each grandma present; the tea she used or didn't use. 
The first question was : 

Of what tea is Grandma Graham fond? Answer: Honesty. 
Another question was : 

Of what tea did Grandma Holmes drink too freely in her 
youth? Answer: Naughty. 

Other questions were: 

What brand of tea do Grandma Hall's guests drink often? 
Answer : Hospitality. 

What tea does Grandma Gray dislike? Answer: Partiality. 

What tea does Grandma Biddle drink too often? Answer: 
Frivolity. 

And so on through as many brands of tea as there were 
grandmas present. The answers were given as charades 
which added to the fun. The refreshments were old- 
fashioned, and tea was indulged in by those charming 
little grandmothers in a manner which proved the art was 
by no means a lost one. 

For a Birthday Child 

These charming verses by Alice Corbin were written 
on a card, the initial letter of each line being done in 
gold shaded with pink : 

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Party Pastimes for the 



FOR A BIRTHDAY CHILD 

What shall we give to the birthday child? 
A blessing, a kiss or a golden ring? 
A kiss lasts only a second or two, 
The ring is lost ere the year is through. 
But the blessing of God is a precious thing, 
So the blessing of God is the gift we bring 
To the child that is gentle and sweet and mild, 
To the dear little, good little birthday child ! 

— Alice Corbin. 

A Knickerbocker Party 

A MOTHER who was about to put her small son into his 
first trousers conceived the clever idea of holding a party 
in his honor on the eventful day. On her card she 
wrote: "Come to meet our Httle man Jack at three on 
Saturday, September lo/' 

The first game is for the amusement of the children 
and is called ''menagerie." A picture of an animal is 
pinned on the coat or dress of each as they pass in line. 
The leader should be a ten-year-old boy, who will be able 
to manage better than a younger child. He says he 
wishes to catch a menagerie to go with a circus, and then 
the children scatter over the house and grounds, making 
the noise of the animal they are supposed to represent 
All the animals must be caught, and if they are especially 
wary, the hunter may employ those already caught to 
help get the others. When all are caged (placed in a 
corner designated) he forms them in line, two by two, 
and they march around to the owner of the circus, who 
removes the animals. 

This is a lively game, keenly enjoyed by all children. 
For favors have little clowns and serve pink lemonade, 
ice cream in shape of animals, and animal cookies. Of 
course have the snapping motto caps which all children 
love. 

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U p - t o - D ate Hostess 

A Bean Bag Party 

This affair may be carried out on the lawn if the 
weather permits. Make bean bags out of denim of 
various shades, fill not too solidly, as they throw better 
when loosely filled, and use the small white navy beans. 
Cover a small hoop with turkey red, or any colored cam- 
bric, winding a two-inch strip around the hoop; at the 
join leave a loop to hang it up with. Hang a bell in the 
bow and suspend it just an easy height for the children 
to throw through. The great fun is to make the bell ring 
when the bags go through. A score may be arranged. 
Then take a board and cut three holes (square) in it of 
different size; stand the board slanting on end so the 
bags may be thrown into the holes, each one counting so 
much. Even grown people have been known to enjoy 
''bean bags." 

Two Good Games 

Here are some very old games, but I am sure they will 
be brand new to many of our young readers. The first 
is called ''Catching the Snake's TaiF' and comes to us 
from Japan, where it is a great favorite. The children 
form in line, each with hands resting upon the shoulders 
of the player in front. The one who is to act as "catcher" 
is left out. The first child in the line is called the "head" 
and the last one the "tail." The "catcher" is placed about 
fifteen feet from the "head," and at a signal he tries to 
catch the "tail," or the last child in the "snake" without 
touching anyone else. The others may defend the "tail" 
by moving about, keeping the line unbroken, for if the line 
should be broken it is equal to the "tail" being caught, 
and that unlucky person must become the catcher while 
the last named goes to the head of the line. 

Now for the second game, called "Feather Play." It 
is very amusing, although it sounds so simple. AH the 

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Party Pastimes for the 

players are seated on the floor, having first counted ''out" 
to see who will be ''it." A hollow square is formed with 
a sheet held close up to the chins of the players on the 
floor. A feather is produced, a little downy thing, and 
blown back and forth by the players. The child who is 
*'it" is to try to catch the feather on one of the children 
or directly in front of a child when that one becomes "it." 
The feather must not be touched by the hands of the 
children on the floor, nor must they rise from the floor ; 
their hands must be kept under the sheet, all manipula- 
tions of the feather being done by blowing. 

A Grown-Up Party for Children 

Children's parties for grown-ups have been very 
popular, and now the youngsters from six to eight years 
of age are having loads of fun by giving imitations of 
mother's afternoon teas. Real grown-up names are 
chosen, written on cards which are presented to the 
youthful butler, and all the youthful guests are dressed 
in long skirts, hair done up and have all the accessories 
of the grand dames who go to "teas" and "bridges." If 
desired, some of the guests may be asked to bring their 
children (dolls). Arrange a tea table, a small one, of 
course, with doll china, and have the little hostess's 
friends assist in "pourin." Dainty sandwiches, cambric 
tea, peppermint bonbons, vanilla ice-cream and angel food 
cake will make a satisfactory menu. A visit to the toy 
department will reveal some very interesting card games 
within the comprehension of the guests, and prizes may 
be given, If this feature is not practicable, the children 
will have a grand time in just being permitted to dress up 
and go to a party. 

A Jolly Out-Door Party 
This was a decided success, for the children were so 
enthusiastic. The affair took place in the country, but I 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

do not think a city backyard or a park would fall short of 
the requirements. Of course, all depends upon the 
weather, for this party requires snow and a frozen pond, 
if possible. 

The hours were from five to eight, and it was quite 
dark when the gay youngsters assembled. The mothers 
had been instructed to dress the little guests, who were 
from ten to fourteen, very warmly with sweaters and 
mittens. Japanese lanterns were strung all over the 
lawn and twinkled brightly in the darkness; then there 
were huge bonfires built along the edge of the pond with 
caretakers to watch for sparks. There were skating 
races, running races, tobogganing and a merry game of 
Hare and Hounds, with red confetti for scent. The last 
stunt was storming a snow fort, the children being di- 
vided into two sides, white men and Indians. After this 
excitement they were called in to a supper consisting of 
piping hot oyster soup, hot buttered crackers, olives, tur- 
key sandwiches, then ice cream in shape of snow balls 
with a little flag in the top of each ball ; the cakes were 
balls, too, rolled in cocoanut form and then in sweet 
chocolate grated. A big sleigh took all the children 
home, each with a tin horn which was tied with scarlet 
ribbon. The horns were presented when good-byes were 
said. 

Mother Goose Come to Life 

We all know how children delight in dressing up and 
pretending. With this in mind a young matron added a 
charming bit to a church fair by drilling the young chil- 
dren of the parish in enacting simple nursery rhymes. 
None of those taking part was over eight years old. A 
small stage with a curtain was shut ofif from the main 
room, and ten cents admission charged. It was called 
"Mother Goose Come to Life," and the performance took 
ten minutes. It was repeated as soon as the room was 

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Party Pastimes for the 

refilled, after the manner of running a moving picture 
show. Some of the scenes were ''Old Mother Hubbard/' 
"The Queen of Hearts/' "Little Miss Muffet/' "Little 
Bo-Peep/' "Sing a Song of Six Pence/' "Little Boy 
Blue/' etc. As the rhyme was enacted a concealed 
chorus of children not taking part in that particular pic- 
ture sang the merry jingle to a softly played accompani- 
ment. It was all very clever and really not at all difficult 
to arrange, for children are satisfactory to work with. 

The "Sand Piper" Game 

Did you ever watch a dozen youngsters on the beach 
in their bathing suits playing "sandpiper ?" Here are the 
rules of the game: The children, excepting two, turn 
themselves into a flock of sandpipers, hopping up and 
down the beach. Two are "hunters," who try to catch 
the birds, crying: 

Sandpiper, sandpiper, hopping on the sand, 
Come, let us catch you, and join our band ! 

The hunters catch the "birds," who are at once turned 
into hunters. The only way a sandpiper can escape is 
to stand on one foot or hop on one leg; so long as he 
remains thus, the hunters cannot take him. The children 
love this game, and they look very happy trotting around 
in their little flannel bathing suits. 

Music for Children 

The following delightful programmes will be most 
helpful to those casting about for something musical of 
interest to little people : 

children's matinee song recital 

This programme of songs and ballads is designed especially 
for the little folks, for whom it is a unique as well as valuable 
and delightful form of entertainment. 

This programme can also be given in connection with a chil- 
dren's descriptive piano recital, in which each number is accom- 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

panied b}'' a brief description, within the comprehension of chil- 
dren, of the music sung or played and incidents of interest con- 
nected with the lives of the different composers. 

1. The Walking Bell Schumann 

2. There, Little Girl, Don't Cry Campion 

3. Why Don't You Sleep, My Baby Rosabel 

4. The Sandman Schumann 

5. Cherry Ripe C. E. Horn 

6. This Little Pig Went to Market Gustave Kerker 

7. Little Boy Blue F. H. Brackett 

8. The Elf's Trip Gounod 

TO PLAY FOR CHILDREN 

A musical story of fairy frolic Mendelssohn 

Rondo Capricioso 

A glimpse of sorrow and gladness Schumann 

The Little Orphan — The Happy Farmer 

Wayside Sketches Volkman 

By the Brook — Sunset 

Moments of Pleasure Gurlitt 

German Dance — Spring Song 

Hush-a-Bye Baby Barili 

Cradle Song 

Pleasant Recreation Kullak 

The Little Rope Dancer — Skating Song 

An Unpleasant Failing. Wolff 

The Tattler 

The Result Wolff 

The Complaint 

A Delightful Time Westerhout 

The Children's Ball 

A Fortunate Little Boy Low 

Happy Johnnie — Festival March 

The Bird's Song Cerito 

Nightingale Polka 

The Mischief Maker Reinecke 

The Little Gossip 

The Rebuke Reinecke 

Grandmother's Story 

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Party Pastimes for the 

Human Nine Pins 

The boys are set up just like nine pins at the end of the 
room or on the lawn; they stand on one foot (left one), 
with the right one placed behind the left knee, arms 
folded. The girls roll the ball, taking turns. When the 
ball is rolled they may hop aside to escape being touched ; 
but if the ball touches them or they put down the other 
foot they are supposed to be knocked down and out. 
This continues just like the real game, a score being kept 
and prizes awarded. 

New Bean Bag Game 

Young children love this game: Take barrel hoops 
and wind them with gay ribbons or crepe paper, suspend 
a small bell in the centre. Hang the hoop up and give 
each guest a small bean bag the same color as the hoop. 
The aim is to ring the bell when thrown through the 
hoop. Five trials are allowed; the one who rings the 
most out of the five is given a reward. 

Game of Royalty 
A LITTLE game called ''Royalty'' needs an equal number 
of girls and boys. One boy is chosen king and a girl as 
queen. Then they sit in two rows facing each other. 
Each follower is numbered. At the same moment the 
king and queen call a number, the two players bearing 
the numbers get up and run around the circle, the queen 
after the king's follower. If she catches him before he 
completes the circle he pays forfeit; if she does not the 
king's subject collects a tribute from her. When all the 
numbers have been called the game is finished. 

An Airship Party 

This affair was given by a mother whose pocketbook 
does not have to be consulted when she does social stunts, 
and her parties for her ten-year-old son are notable events 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

in the community. One good thing is that she is most 
democratic in her invitations, and is bringing up her son 
in a fine, broad-minded way. On this occasion all the 
children in his room at school were included in the invi- 
tation, and I assure you the youngsters were keenly alert 
as to what the party was to be. 

I am delighted to be able to tell all about it. First, 
they played '^airship" just exactly as stage coach is played, 
only the children were the gasoline, propellers, oar, rope, 
stars, moon, wind, etc., and what an exciting story was 
built by the clever man who was induced to be the 
"driver/' and when the airship met with an accident how 
all the boys and girls got up and spun around. Then 
there was a balloon contest, the company being divided 
into sides, each one given a paper Japanese balloon, which 
they were to inflate and blow over a line made by put- 
ting up a rope across the living room, the balloons being 
kept in motion by blowing and fanning with palm-leaf 
fans. The game for each side was to get as many balls 
over the line onto their side as possible. After ten or 
fifteen minutes the spoils were counted and a kite was 
given as a prize, which went to the winning captain. 
Over the dining-room table was suspended a large flying 
machine made into a "J^ck Horner" pie. The colors 
were red and white, and there were ribbons from the car 
to the table, one for every child. In the car were doll 
passengers, dressed to represent different nationalities. 
This creation was really wonderful and the children went 
into ecstacies. At each place there was a cunning little 
kite of red and white, with the child's name attached to 
the tail. At a given signal the ribbons were pulled and 
the doll passengers tumbled down with a dainty red and 
white snapping motto cap tied to each one. All the 
favors and the airship "pie'' were furnished by a big 
department store, but I fancy the whole scheme could be 
carried out by clever fingers at home. 

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Party Pastimes for the 



CHAPTER XV -CHOOSING PARTNERS - 
AFTER-DINNER TRICKS 

Novel Ways to Choose Partners 

A JOLLY crowd of a dozen girls had a cooking club. 
Once a year they asked their men friends to a 
''spread/' At the last they had this way of select- 
ing partners for supper : Cards were passed to both men 
and women bearing the mysterious terms of ''Straw- 
berries/' "Cream/' "Lamb/' "Mint Sauce," etc. The 
hostess explained that "Pork" found "Apple Sauce/' and 
"Fillet of Beef" found "Mushrooms/' that partners 
would be found and all go into the dining room. This 
made loads of fun and the result was a grand mix-up. 
Then afterwards slips of paper were passed to the men 
and they had to prepare what they considered to be a good 
menu. All these were to be kept by the girls for future 
reference. In arranging this repast each girl had con- 
tributed something of her own cooking. 

Way to Choose Partners 

At an evening party which was given to announce the 
engagement of a young woman, the partners for refresh- 
ments were chosen in this way: The hostess gave to 
each girl a picture representing Love in some form. The 
selections had been made from a collection of penny pic- 
tures and some were postcards. To the men the same 
pictures were given, but cut into several pieces and pasted 
on a card. Of course they had to hunt for the girl who 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

had the duplicate of their puzzle picture. This caused 
much merriment and consumed considerable time ; it was 
a most effectual method of mixing the company and broke 
up all intimate gatherings of those who w^ere the best 
acquainted. 

To Find Partners 

At a large party where many of the guests were 
strangers, the hostess used this method of finding part- 
ners, and I assure you the ice was soon broken and did 
not form again during the evening. Each girl was given 
a card on which was written the description of the man 
with whom she w^as to eat refreshments. Here is a list 
that may help some one out in thinking of descriptions. 
To add to the fun have a good jolly man to take measure- 
ments of height and a scales for weighing. A glove and 
a rubber overshoe may assist in making measurements 
for those who hold "5" and "6": 

1. The tallest man. 

2. The shortest man. 

3. The stoutest man. 

4. The thinnest man. 

5. The man with the largest foot. 

6. The man with the largest hand. 

7. The most popular man. 

8. The wittiest man. 

9. The oldest man. 

10. The youngest man. 

11. The wealthiest man. 

12. The handsomest man. 

Famous Lovers for Partners 

Romeo— Juliet. Adam— Eve. 

Dante— Beatrice. Jacob— Rachel. 

Petrarch — Laura. Abelard— Heloise. 

Pericles — Aspasia. Tristan— Isolde. 

Antony — Cleopatra. Cupid — Psyche. 

Samson — Delilah. Benedict — Beatrice. 

Napoleon— Josephine. Ulysses — Penelope. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

Place Cards for Engagement Announcement 

A YOUNG woman used these very clever cards at the 
luncheon her mother gave to a few favored friends to 
make known her engagement. A web of delicate silver 
cord (like what we use for holiday parcels) was sewed 
upon a pink heart-shaped card, a wee silver heart being 
seemingly caught in its meshes. The monogram of the 
happy pair was done in silver underneath the web. After 
the dessert was served, stiff white cards seven inches 
square were passed with pink pencils and each guest was 
asked to plan an ideal house for the couple; these the 
bride kept for ''future reference.'* A silver loving cup 
was passed filled with claret lemonade and each girl drank 
a toast to the new home and its charming mistress. 

Pretty Engagement Place Cards 

At a luncheon to be given near Valentine's day to an- 
nounce an engagement, the place cards are to be heart- 
shaped picture frames containing a picture of the bride- 
elect. At her place the frame will contain the picture 
of the happy man. It is in this way the news will be 
made known. The centrepiece is to be a huge true-lover's 
knot of blue ribbon with a crystal vase of pink bride 
roses. Heart-shaped wreaths of pink carnations are to 
be round each service plate. The combining of two 
flowers is quite a feature this season. 

Ice Breakers for Large Parties 

An up-to-date hostess had her guests find partners this 
way at a rather large informal evening party. She 
wished to mingle the crowd as much as possible and pre- 
vent those who were acquainted from forming into 
cliques, which is so often thoughtlessly done. On enter- 
ing, each man was handed a paper and pencil and at once 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

introduced to a lady with whom he was to converse for 
five minutes and then retire and write a minute descrip- 
tion of her appearance, detail of gown, etc. After ten 
minutes the papers were collected. At refreshment time 
these slips were distributed promiscuously among the 
men, and they were instructed to find the lady whose de- 
scription they had. This entailed no end of fun, and it 
was some time before all found partners. 

For choosing partners try matching animal crackers, 
which are hidden throughout the rooms. Matching flow- 
ers is another pretty way when the company is not too 
large to have enough varieties of flowers. Have two 
blossoms alike; carnations of all shades, roses, violets, 
pansies, lilies, etc. 

Another way is to put the initials or the first name of 
the girls in envelopes and pass them to the men; the 
cracker alphabet letters to be obtained from the large 
grocery stores may be used. Of course, this method is 
only of use in a crowd well known to each other. A jolly 
way to pair off is to play the old-fashioned game of silent 
Blind Man's Buff. Make a circle, blindfold one at a 
time, place in the centre with a cane, then the one the 
blind man touches is the partner. Of course, it is ar- 
ranged so that a *'boy'' points to a "girl'' and vice versa. 

Dress a number of penny dolls, two alike ; for instance, 
two little Japs, two little darkeys, two babies, etc. ; match- 
ing them is great fun. 

Selecting Partners at a Card Party or a Cotillion 

To choose partners for a card party or a cotillion have 
small cakes baked in what are called *'patty" cake tins 
and ice with pink for the unmarried girls, with yellow for 
the men in the same state of single blessedness, white for 
the married women and green for the married men. In 
these cakes put such tiny^ favors as thimbles, duplicate 

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Party Pastimes for the 

mottoes, hooks and eyes, keys, rings, etc. Then the 
man who gets a key finds the person having a ring, and 
they are mated ; the girl with a hook finds the man with 
an eye, etc. This is great fun and is adaptable to any 
game where a choice of partners is necessary. 

Another pretty way to find one's mate is to provide a 
Japanese cap and mask of paper for each one. Divide 
the company until all are disguised, giving each a sheet or 
covering of some kind; then as two persons recognize 
each other they remove the masks. 

New Way of Finding Partners 

A HOSTESS noted for her clever schemes devised this 
method for choosing partners at a card party: She cut 
out thin cardboard animals, four of a kind, as many sets 
as there were tables — four cats, four bunnies, four bears, 
four dogs and four donkeys. The latter had cords 
attached to be put around the neck and were large 
enough to keep the score. The drawings were made from 
illustration and were then cut out. A few skilful touches 
with a water-color brush did the rest. 

Unique "Place Cards" 

A HOSTESS noted for her clever schemes had these 
novel place cards at a dance party given for six intimate 
friends. 

She obtained pictures of the guests, taken when they 
were babies or children. None over ten years of age. 
These she laid on white cards, tying with scarlet ribbon, 
and put one at each plate, telling her friends that they 
could find their own places. 

A merry time ensued before the railway magnate dis- 
covered himself in the lad with his velocipede, and the 
white-haired matron was found in the demure maiden 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

hugging a doll baby. A round, chubby-faced youngster 
of six was claimed by the judge, while the fair debutante 
was revealed in a tiny baby clutching a stick of candy in 
one hand and an orange in the other. The ice was broken 
at once, and the dinner was pronounced a success from 
start to finish. 

After Dinner Tricks 

It is now quite the thing to have a number of clever 
tricks ''up one's sleeve," as it were, with which to beguile 
a few moments after dinner, or to work in at an oppor- 
tune moment when there comes a lull in the conversation. 
Jugglery is the oldest of the sciences ; and every one, old 
or young, is interested in strange or seemingly wonderful 
feats. 

A very simple trick is called "The Balanced Coin." 
Take a bottle, cork it, and in the cork place a needle. 
Cut a slit in another cork so that the edge of a silver 
dollar will fit into it; then put two forks into the upper 
cork. Place the edge of the coin, which holds the upper 
cork and forks, on the point of the needle, and it will 
revolve without falling. This will amuse children, espe- 
cially a child who may be a prisoner from illness, or on a 
rainy day. 

To make a revolving figure is interesting. Cut a wee 
man out of a thin bit of wood, make him end in one leg 
instead of two; make a pair of long arms shaped like 
oars or paddles. Then place him on top of your finger 
and blow hard. The little man will go round and round. 
Another clever feat is the Spanish dancer. Cut a figure 
from pasteboard ; gum one foot on the inverted side of a 
watch crystal, then place it on a clean plate. Hold the 
plate slanting and it will slide down; but drop a little 
water on the plate; instead of the glass sliding, it will 
begin to revolve, and continue to revolve with increased 

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Party Pastimes for the 

velocity as the person chooses. This is in consequence 
of the cohesion of water to the two surfaces, by which a 
new force is produced. 

A stunt which is new and amusing and never fails 
to make fun is a trick in balancing. Have the one who 
tries the thing measure exactly three times the length of 
his own foot out from the wall of the room, then stand 
with heels together, facing the wall, then stoop forward 
until the top of his head touches the wall. Then place a 
light stool or taboret, about twenty inches in height, be- 
tween him and the wall. The trick is to hold the taboret 
off the floor and at the same time lift the head from the 
wall. A w^oman generally succeeds in doing this with 
comparative ease, but for some reason the trick is not so 
easy for a man. So ask a woman to do it first, then it is 
very funny to see the man fail. 

To Choose Valentine Partners 

This unique method of finding valentine partners 
proved highly successful at a valentine party. A sheet 
was stretched between folding doors upon which red 
hearts were pinned. They were about four inches across. 
The name of a man present was written on each heart. 
As the guests entered the room each lady was given an 
arrow made from red paper which had a number on it. 

When all had arrived, the ladies, one by one, were 
blindfolded and each one tried to pin her arrow upon a 
heart on the sheet. If the arrow was not exactly on the 
heart the one nearest to it was the man allotted her for 
a partner for refreshments. This stunt is a good one to 
have while the hostess makes her final preparations for 
serving. 



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Up-to-Date Hostess 



CHAPTER XVL— SUGGESTIONS FOR 
BAZARS AND CHURCH SOCIALS 

A Forefathers' Festival 

HERE is an idea for a bazar or fair to be held just 
before Thanksgiving. It should be held in a 
large room or hall to get the best effect. 
A splendid thing about this festival is the number of 
people it will interest in making ready for it. In the 
first place, enlist the boys to build several wigwams along 
one side of the room ; make them by tacking three poles 
together, leaving the ends outside the burlap, which is to 
be fastened around. Around the outside have corn stalks, 
pumpkins (for sale), borrow fur rugs to spread around 
and tie small skin rugs on the outside (rag rugs will 
answer the purpose). Dress small boys and girls a$ 
Indians and let them have charge of this section. Sell 
baskets and all sorts of bead work. The grown person 
to have charge of the children should be dressed as a 
squaw with a doll pappoose strapped on her back. For- 
tune telling could go on in one of the tepees. All leather 
goods could be sold here, and birch bark novelties. If 
grab bags are to be an attraction (and children love 
them) let a couple of little Indians preside over a huge 
grab-bag kettle hung over a tripod of forked sticks, the 
grabs to be fished out with a pole or forked stick. On 
the other side of the room opposite the Indians have the 
Pilgrims, the women in plain grays and browns, with 
kerchiefs and caps, the men garbed as in the pictures of 
John Alden and other men of the period. Have a loan 

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Party Pastimes for the 

collection of old things, like candlesticks, china, snuffers, 
samplers, etc. If any are for sale, put up a sign like 
this : 

Great Sale of Household Effects! 

Furniture, China, Brasses ! 

All Goods Guaranteed to be Brought 

From Home 

In the Good Ship the ''Mayflower !" 

On tables display goods supposed to be made by the 
settlers' wives, such as rag rugs, towels, wash cloths, 
dusters and aprons. Then have a table of home-made 
eatables — pies, mincemeat and jellies. Take orders for 
popcorn and candies and all sorts of things that house- 
wives will need for Thanksgiving. Build the front of a 
log cabin as an entrance to the dining room, where a 
New England dinner will be served ; have the waitresses 
in colonial costumes. If possible use all blue dishes; 
light with candles and have a hostess for each table 
dressed in costume. This will give a personal touch, and 
people will feel much more at home with some one to 
look after their personal comfort. In fact, all our church 
aft'airs would be much more successful if we conducted 
them more as private parties. 

Here is a recipe for a cake which is just the thing to 
have served; it is said to have been handed down from 
George Washington's family. Half the rule will serve 
twelve persons. This yellow loaf cake is good with 
afternoon tea : 

Old Colonial Cake — One cupful of butter, two and one- 
half cupfuls of granulated sugar, six eggs, one cupful of 
rich milk, one even teaspoonful of soda, two of cream 
of tartar, four cupfuls of pastry flour and one cupful of 
seeded raisins. Cream the butter and sugar, then stir in 
the yolks of the eggs. Add the cream of tartar to the 
flour, and sift them together several times. Add the soda 
to the milk and stir the mixture into the butter, sugar, 

246 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

and yolks. Then beat the whole into the flour and cream 
of tartar. When smooth add the raisins, and finally fold 
in the whites of the eggs, whipped to a very stiff froth. 
Do not stir the cake after the whites are added. Butter 
a large tube pan and fill it half full of the batter. After 
the cake has baked and become cold, ice it with a heavy 
yellow icing. 

For an Umbrella Bazar 

This is a scheme adaptable to an out-door fete or is 
equally good for the booths at a winter fair. Take huge 
umbrellas and have a circular counter built around them. 
The effect is very pretty. 

The Japanese table would have an enormous parasol 
with tiny ones attached to each rib, or in place of the little 
lanterns use Jap dolls. Under this the attendants would 
serve tea and sell Japanese novelties, of which there is an 
endless variety. 

Umbrellas covered with white cotton plentifully 
sprinkled with diamond dust and hung with glass icicles 
would be "winter" for the sale of ice cream or ices. 

Turkey could be represented by an umbrella covered 
with turkey feathers for the sale of dusters, sweeping 
caps, and Thanksgiving table favors. ''China," ''Sum- 
mer," "America," etc., may be arranged to be easy of 
recognition and the whole effect will be well worth the 
trouble of preparation. 

The Seven Ages of Woman 

This bazar scheme was carried out with great success, 
and was no more difficult than just having plain booths 
in the ordinary way. The posters said: "Come and 
See the Seven Ages of Woman." At the first table the 
"First Age" was cleverly represented by having all the 
articles pertaining to babies, even baby books, which a 
book store sent on commission. The attendants were 

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Party Pastimes for the 

dressed as infants and were most fetching, I assure you. 
The second table illustrated ^'Childhood'' and had dolls 
and toys galore, with those behind the booth dressed as 
children aged from five to ten. The ^'Sweethearts' 
Table'' came next, with all sorts of dainty articles for en- 
gagement presents, heart and slipper-shaped place cards, 
candy, and all sorts of goodies packed attractively to go as 
gifts to college girls and sweethearts. As it happened 
two engaged couples had charge of this department and 
it created loads of fun. The fourth was the "Bride's 
Table," done in pure white, with artificial orange blos- 
soms and white roses for decorations. Those in charge 
were two brides. Orders were taken for marking linen. 
The ^'Mother's Table" came as the 'Tifth Age" and was 
presided over by matrons. Cakes and pies were for sale, 
also darning and laundry bags, broom bags, etc. The 
''Spinster's Table" was conducted by a merry bunch of 
unappropriated blessings. They had the tea table and 
had a beautiful Angora cat with her kittens; the latter 
were for sale. Needless to say, they went like hot cakes. 
The "Grandmother's Table" made the seventh, and was 
attended by three dear old ladies of the parish who had 
truly grown old gracefully. They had woollen shawls, 
bedroom slippers, spectacle cases and chamois eyeglass 
wipers, covers for hot-water bags, and many other 
comforts. 

A Bean Social 

This novel way of handling a church social was a 
great success. The invitations said: Have you ever 
bean to a bean party? If not, come on Thursday night 
to the parlors of the Market Street Presbyterian church 
at eight. You will enjoy 

Bean porridge hot, 
Bean porridge cold, 
Bean porridge in the pot. 
Nine days old. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

The refreshments consisted of baked beans, baked-bean 
sandwiches, bean soup, brown bread and butter, pickles, 
tea, doughnuts, peanuts, and molasses candy. 

After the supper there were bean bags for those who 
wished to play. It was quite exciting, as sides were 
chosen and a match game played. 

Individual brown ramekins for baked beans were sold. 

A Fakir's Fair 

This name may be new, but the idea is old, inasmuch 
as it is much Hke 'The Peddlers' Parade" or the "County 
Fair"; however, it may be carried out in a highly suc- 
cessful manner if an up-to-date committee work hard. 
Decorate the room entirely with advertisements of the 
wares to be sold, then dress the fakirs to represent the 
advertisement of the article ; merchants will donate things 
or allow goods to be sold on commission and home-made 
articles m.ay b^ sold by grotesque figures. The novelty 
is that no elaborate booths have to be made, as the articles 
are sold by the fakirs from trays, baskets and pushcarts. 
For instance, there must be the old broom fakir, who 
may carry home-made dish mops as well as a motley as- 
sortment of brooms, dusters, etc. The electric iron man 
who carries and demonstrates an electric toaster besides ; 
the pop-corn and peanut man with a real push-cart. In 
fact the possibilities are many, as the children can take 
part and there is a fine chance for the young ^men to be 
''barkers, " for the girls to sell flowers and bonbons, and 
all sorts of dainty home-made cakes, cookies, and rolls. 

Around-the- World Tea 

A YOUNG ladies' mission band got up the following 
very successful tea. A house represented each of these 
eight countries and several automobiles conveyed the 
guests to and fro — Greece, Italy, Germany, Russia, Eng- 
land, America, France and Japan. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

A five-minute paper about each country, with music, 
furnished amusement, and the attendants were in cos- 
tume. Flags of the country made the decoration with 
whatever characteristic article obtainable. A very small 
admission fee was collected by the courier as guests en- 
tered the auto and small fees were charged for refresh- 
ments, which were peculiar to the country, as the menu 
shows: Greece, olives; Italy, spaghetti; Germany, kafe 
kuchen; Japan, meshi (rice); France, vin rouge (red 
punch) ; Russia, caviar canapes; England, plum pudding; 
America, pie. 

With good committees this scheme may be enlarged. 

A Red-Hot Social 

Try this the first real cold day when you are wondering 
how to warm up a church social which promises to be 
an icy affair. Issue posters on scarlet cardboard, deco- 
rate with red cheese cloth, red shades, and train a good 
lusty chorus to sing, "A Hot Time." Dress the recep- 
tion committee and waiters in red and make the price of 
admission "5 red cents.'' Serve *'red hots" (wienerwurst) 
encased in hot rolls, pickles and coffee with doughnuts 
for sweets. 

A Mother Goose Market 

A CLUB of young people organized for charity gave this 
quaint affair that realized a goodly sum for their winter's 
work : It was given on the grounds surrounding a large 
country place, the booths being artistically arranged under 
the trees and on the porches. Invitations were issued in 
the name of ''Mother Goose," who was represented in 
pen-and-ink sketches and also on large posters that were 
placed in conspicuous places throughout the town and 
nearby suburbs. The charming old lady was hostess, 
meeting people at the entrance to the grounds and di- 
recting them to the various booths. All those in attend- 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

ance were in costume. Old Mother Hubbard had a huge 
cupboard that was not at all bare, as there were a num- 
ber of fine puppy dogs for sale placed there by the owner 
of a famous kennel, who allowed a generous commission 
on all sales made. ''Little Lucy Locket" had leather 
purses, card cases, bead bags, shopping bags, etc., and 
Mistress Mary had flowers of all kinds, potted, even 
orders taken for shrubs, vines and plants, to be filled by 
a florist. She was not at all "contrary," but most 
gracious as she wandered among her cockle shells and 
''silver" bells. The old woman who swept the cobwebs 
down from the sky had all sorts of brooms, dusters, 
sweeping caps and broom bags. "Curley Locks" was not 
sewing her "fine seam," but she had several sewing tables 
filled with useful and pretty articles ; she took orders for 
hand embroidery and also sold stamped pieces with the 
material for working. The "Old Woman Who Lived in 
a Shoe" did a thriving business with the children, as she 
sold grabs through a patch which opened and shut in the 
most fascinating manner. "Cinderella," arrayed in her 
ball gown, sold slippers of all kinds and sizes and did 
a most profitable business. "Jack Horner" sold pies and 
was the most popular man about the place, as he was a 
gay college chap who entered heartily into the spirit of 
the thing. "Jack and Jill" sold lemonade and soft drinks 
from huge tin pails. "Cross Patch" and "Polly Put the 
Kettle On" served tea, and "Old King Cole" sold all 
sorts of bowls, and his fiddlers three played dance music, 
and the "Queen of Hearts" presided at the supper table, 
at which an old-fashioned chicken dinner was served. It 
was altogether a delightful affair. 

The "Story'' Tent 

At a lawn fete one of the most popular attractions was 
a small tent that would hold a dozen children seated at 
one time, in which a charming young woman told stories 

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Party Pastimes for the 

lasting fifteen minutes. The admission was ten cents. 
When the story was finished the audience left the tent 
and another bunch was admitted. A gypsy '"barker" 
stood outside, and another gypsy strolled through the 
grounds selling tickets. Any child could go in a second 
time if another ticket was purchased. This was a most 
easy way to add clear profit to the affair. There was 
absolutely no expense in preparation, as the tent was 
loaned and those in charge happened to have their gypsy 
costumes. 

A Potato Supper 

Church suppers have been and probably always will 
be a commercial asset in raising money. A ladies' aid 
society issued these catchy invitations, which were 
printed in red on common brown wrapping paper and 
scattered broadcast in the hotels and boarding houses of 
the seashore resort, where summer visitors helped out 
largely in furnishing the wherewithal to run the little 
church during the long nine months of winter. I give 
the invitation so that our readers may cut it out for 
future use, as the scheme is adaptable for any time or 
place : 

A sociable next Friday night! 

Look down below, first left, then right, 

And you will see the "Bill-of-Fare" 

In English language written there : 

POTATOES HOT, POTATOES COLD, 

POTATOES NEW, POTATOES OLD. 

Some we will boil, and some we'll bake, 

And some serve in a hot loaf-cake ; 

Potatoes also we'll prepare 

In brown croquettes as light as air, 

And some make up in griddle-cakes 

As nice as any French cook makes. 

And then dessert — for those who wish 

We will prepare some dainty dish, 

*Tit for the gods," you'll think, we know, 

Though mostly made of potato. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

This sociable is to be g^ven 

Between the hours of four and seven. 

At Hall next Friday night, 

And one and all we here invite ; 

Be sure to come; don't be afraid, 

Your presence will— THE LADIES AID. 

An Old-Time Concert 

To raise money for a church or club, local talent is 
always most successful, so for this affair ask no profes- 
sionals. It is often astonishing to find what resources 
there are *'within the gates/' as it were. Every one loves 
old-time songs and customs, as there is a glamour over 
the past and in things that used to be that is fascinating 
to both old and young. It will not be difficult to arrange 
a chorus of twenty-five or thirty voices with four or five 
fair solo voices. The chorus should dress in old-time 
costumes, stitting in two semicircles on the stage or plat- 
form. The minuet may be danced for one number, using 
colonial costumes. People will attend a performance of 
this kind who would not think of going anywhere else. 
Have the invitations or announcements worded in quaint 
old English spelling, and the first names of those partici- 
pating should be ^^Delight,'' ^Tatience," '^Hezekiah," 
'^Makepeace," '^Josiah,'' etc. 

The following numbers are merely suggestions, as 
being favorites : 

Curtain-Raiser — Chorus — "Auld Lang Syne." 
Chorus— "Old Black Joe." 
Solo— "Kathleen Mavourneen." 

Instrumental Solo — "Listen to the Mocking-Bird," with vari- 
ations. 
Male Quartet--"Tenting To-Night/' 
Solo— "Silver Threads Among the Gold." 
Ladies* Quartet — "Sweet and Low." 
Chorus. 

Bass Solo— "Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep." 
Solo— "Ben Bolt" 

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Party Pastimes for the 

Male Quartet— ''My Old Kentucky Home"— Chorus Humming 
the Chorus. 

Solo — "Twickenham Ferry." 

Chorus — "Massa's in the Cold, Cold Ground." 

Orchestra — ''Star Spangled Banner." 

A Church Shower 

The following jingle, while faulty in line and metre, 
tells the story of how a ladies' aid society replenished its 
kitchen and dining-room utensils. Here is a list of the 
articles ''showered'': Table-cloths, salt and peppers, 
spoons, knives, forks, dishes of all kinds, soap, towels, 
ammonia, scrubbing powder, a broom, dusters, several 
vases, boxes of matches, a cork-screw and a can-opener. 
A grocer sent bottles of olives, pickles, and loaf sugar. 
This is the verse: 

Of all new pleasures under the sun. 
Since ever the cycle of time begun, 
A chance to do good, and have some fun, 
Is surely at a church shower. 

The Ladies' Aid — 

Of nothing on earth are they afraid — 
This delightfully happy plan have made. 
Of holding a church shower. 

So many things we need, you see, 

That quite a heavy expense would be, 

So we'll give you a chance to help a wee, 

By coming to our church shower. 

Then come with your presents, large or small, 

Tea and welcome await you all ; 

Or give us your number ; we'll gladly call, 

For the good of our church shower. 

Light refreshments may be served for a small sum, and 
thus a little ready cash may be added to the treasury. 

Sunday Dinner Market 

This seems such a capital idea for making money that 
I give the outline, hoping some ladies' aid or guild will 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

be benefited thereby. The scheme was carried out in a 
suburb and the sales lasted every Saturday during the 
month of August. Booths were erected upon the lawn, 
and the committees were formed by taking the names 
alphabetically. Salads, cold meats, rolls, bread, cakes, 
cookies, jams and jellies, mayonnaise, candies, and cheese 
crackers were always made and orders taken for anything 
in the home cooking line. Young housekeepers found the 
sales a great help, and strangers at nearby boarding- 
houses and hotels patronized them for a cup of tea and 
a sandwich or a dish of home-made sherbet. There 
were young girls to serve, and the arrangements were 
so perfected that the burden was not heavy upon any 
one. A goodly sum was added to the treasury, all made 
by a little extra effort during the summer. 

A Tree Bazar 

All the ladies' aids and guilds are keen after ideas to 
add money to the treasury. I think the scheme outlined 
a delightful one. It calls for eight trees, which may be 
dead ones or live ones, as the case may be. Decorate 
entirely with large potted plants and autumn leaves, with 
wild grape-vine and woodbine if obtainable. The crepe 
papers that come in leaf design will work in beautifully 
with this decoration and an entire arbor or lattice may be 
made by cutting out paper leaves and pinning on the 
trellis. Oleanders and rubber plants help out too. 

Tables may be placed in front of the trees, making 
booths, the top, front, and sides being covered with 
cheesecloth on which paper leaves are pasted or pinned. 
If a grape arbor can be constructed, tea and other bev- 
erages or light refreshments may be served from small 
tables underneath the enclosure thus made. Electric 
lights placed among the leaves add to the effect if the 
affair is held over into the evening. At the end of the 

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Party Pastimes for the 

arbor, have grape juice, grape jelly and raisins for sale. 

Here is the list of trees which may be arranged around 
the room as best suits the committees : "The Pair Tree'' 
— On its boughs hang everything that comes in pairs, like 
scissors (tied with ribbons), slippers (knitted or crochet, 
or ribbon or leather), mittens, gloves, cups and saucers, 
twin bottles of perfume, combs and iDrushes, cuff links, 
etc.; on the table have spiced pears, pear marmalade, 
canned pears, pear-shaped candy boxes. 

The Peach Tree — Decorate with real peaches, which 
may be tied to the branches if a real bearing tree is not 
obtainable. On the table serve peach ice cream, peach 
shortcake, marmalade, spiced peaches, etc. 

The Palm Tree has real palms donated by a florist, to 
be sold on commission, and back of the palms have a 
fortune teller. 

The Orange Tree is literally covered with orange- 
colored paper fruit, each containing an article worth five 
or ten cents; this takes the place of the grab bag found 
at most church affairs. It may be presided over by quite 
a young girl and should prove a lucrative attraction, as its 
''fruit" will beall clear profit. The table next this should 
contain orange marmalade, candied orange peel, orange- 
colored bonbons, and orange cake. Orange ice may be 
served, also orangeade. 

For the Banana Tree have bunches of real bananas; 
in cities banana-shaped candy boxes are obtainable. 

The Date Tree will have all sorts of calendars, engage- 
ment tablets, note books, telephone lists, diaries, in fact, 
everything with which to make or keep a date. Sell 
stuflfed dates, plain dates, date cake, etc., on the table in 
front of the tree. Suspend small articles from its 
branches. 

The Sugar Plum Tree will have candy canes hung on 
its branches, bags of candy, and all sorts of lollipops and 
sweetmeats for sale. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

A Lemon Tree may be added, or any others at the 
discretion of those in charge. 

Sock Party 

This party was the cHmax of the following invitations 
which were issued by a ladies' aid society : 

SOCK SOCIABLE 

This little sock we give to you 

Is not for you to wear ; 
Please multiply your size by two 

And place therein with care, 
In pennies or in cents. 

Just twice the number that you wear, 
(We hope it is immense). 

So if you wear a number lo 
You owe us 20, see? 

Which, dropped into our little sock. 
Will fill our hearts with glee. 

'Tis all we ask; it isn't much, 
And hardly any trouble. 

But if you only have one foot, 
We'll surely charge you double. 

Now, if you have a friend quite dear, 
You'd like to bring with you, . 

Or if you know some one who'd come. 
We'll gladly give you two. 

So don't forget the place and date — 
We'll answer when you knock, 

And welcome you with open arms. 
But DON'T FORGET YOUR SOCK. 

The rhyme was sent with a tiny silk sock made from a 
scrap of gay silk. At the party the socks were emptied 
into a large basket that stood in the entrance hall. 

The Feast of Seven Tables 

"The poor always ye have with you.*' 
The bazar which I wish to describe was called "The 
Feast of Seven Tables." It netted a goodly sum for the 

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Party Pastimes for the 

church under whose auspices it was given. There were 
seven tables, each presided over by a hostess, who, with 
her waiters, was attired to match the table color. The 
afifair was held in spacious church parlors, and the first 
table to greet the eye was all in white. White china, 
white roses, a centrepiece of white. The hostess and her 
maids wore pure white, and white roses in their hair; 
the hostess poured milk from a tall glass pitcher — ^butter- 
milk; plain white bread-and-butter sandwiches, cottage 
cheese, several kinds of crackers, hot baking-powder bis- 
cuit, white frosted cakes, and white peppermint candies 
were in evidence. 

The next table was done in green with green band 
china, and the tumblers used for lemonade and water 
were of green glass; lettuce sandwiches, olives, midget 
pickles, green frosted cakes, pistachio ice cream and green 
candies were served, and the centrepiece was a beautiful 
fern. The hostess and her attendants were especially 
charming in white frocks over green slips, with chaplets 
of green ivy leaves. The brown table was very attractive, 
with crepe paper autumn leaves and twists of brown 
paper wound with artificial brown leaves. The costumes 
were of all shades of brown, with quaint little head ar- 
rangements of brown leaves. Chrysanthemums of a 
peculiar brownish tint were used, and every one was de- 
lighted with the brown color scheme as worked out. The 
eatables were substantial, consisting of brown bread, 
baked beans, hot veal loaf with brown gravy, browned 
potatoes, spiced cake, devil's food and chocolate ice 
cream. Coffee and chocolate were the beverages. 

The red table was a beauty, with red candies and 
shades, red roses, beet and potato salad together so the 
red color predominated, salmon salad, sandwiches, rasp- 
berry ice and red frosted cakes. The attendants were 
gowned in ankle-length, full-skirted gowns of red tarla- 
tan. The yellow table was gorgeous, with big golden 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

*'mums/' yellow or gold band china, candied orange-peel, 
orange ice, orange cake, orangeade, and sunshine cake 
were served. At the pink table there were pink carna- 
tions in vases and scattered over the white cloth, which 
was banded with broad bands of pink ribbon. Pink con- 
fections, candied rose leaves, pink frosted cakes, cold 
pressed salmon loaf with plain sandwiches were served. 
The maids wore the daintiest of pink frocks and were all 
unmarried. The lavender table was decorated with 
violets, pansies, and purple asters. There were lavender 
flowers, and on commission there were a number of 
copies of "Lavender and Old Lace'' for sale. The table 
was presided over by an elderly woman dressed in laven- 
der and old lace. 

A Novel Bazar 

A CHURCH member who was just completing a large 
new home turned it over to the Ladies' Aid Society for 
a bazar, which was a great success. Each room was de- 
voted to some special attraction ; for instance, one for the 
supper, one for the entertainment, one for fortune telling, 
one for children especially, and the attic floor was given 
up to dancing. The decorations were flags and lanterns, 
and the carpenters kindly put up benches for seats and 
turned their saw horses and nice clean boards into tables. 
The lights and water were in, and the gas range. 

A Country Fair 

This description of a country fair held on the grounds 
of a large estate will be helpful to many, for the ideas 
could be carried out at an indoor bazar during the winter. 

Committees with efficient chairmen were appointed 
for advertising, decorations, booths, and entertainments. 
Then judges on the various articles were appointed, and 
the most prominent persons in the vicinity acted as 
patronesses. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

Stacks of corn, sheaves of wheat, goldenrod and wild 
sunflowers with quantities of pumpkins, squash, and jack- 
o'-lanterns made most effective and appropriate decora- 
tions. A brown and yellow color scheme prevailed, which 
blended beautifully with huge boughs of autumn leaves. 

The ladies and young girls in charge wore wash frocks 
with dainty sunbonnets; and the men who assisted wore 
light flannel suits with soft shirts and silk ties of pale 
blue. All wore yellow flowers in their buttonholes, a sun- 
flower having the preference. They also wore large 
straw hats such as farmers or fishermen wear, with blue 
bands around them. 

Orders were taken for needlework, and home-made 
delicacies of all kinds were on sale, and those which took 
white, blue or red ribbons commanded a high price. The 
young men had popcorn and peanut push carts, hot waffle 
wagons and ice-cream cones, and the young girls had pink 
lemonade and ginger ale; also home-made candy tables. 
There was a New England kitchen where luncheon and 
dinner were served, as the fair ran two days, and there 
was a tea garden. 

The fancy work booth displayed a large loan collec- 
tion of interesting quilts and samples which framed a 
background for the more modern work. It adjoined the 
rug section, where all sorts of rag rugs were for sale 
and orders taken. This booth was arranged like an old- 
fashioned parlor with rag carpet on the floor ; cupboards 
displayed tin, pewter and brass utensils highly polished, 
and buttermilk was served with hot corn muffins. 

In the fruit and vegetable department all the resi- 
dents for miles around contributed specimens of their 
best growings, and these were for sale after five o'clock 
and after the judges had passed upon their merits. The 
flower stall was most attractive, and maidens went out 
over the grounds with baskets of choice blossoms for 
sale. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

The corner devoted to animals was the delight of the 
children as well as grown-ups. Puppies and kittens were 
for sale and some baby lambs, wee chickens, a young calf 
and a Welsh pony. The last mentioned was raffled off on 
the last day. Then there was a silhouette gallery, fortune- 
telling, and a cat-shooting gallery, where a dozen stuffed 
cats were shot at, with tickets for sale at ten cents a 
shot. This was in charge of a band of boy scouts. The 
shots were made with tennis balls at a distance of 20 feet 
and anyone who knocked over three cats in succession 
got two more shots. Prizes of candy boxes were given 
for those who hit six cats. This was great fun for the 
youngsters. This entertainment was a great success 
socially as well as financially, as the whole countryside 
was interested. 



A Cradle Roll Party 

In most Sunday schools there is a department called 
the cradle roll. Every baby that comes into a church 
family is a member. The head of the primary class con- 
ceived the idea that it would be a lovely thing to have 
a baby party, so she sent this clever little rhyme, addressed 
the envelopes to the wee guests, and it goes without say- 
ing that the response was most hearty. Of course many 
of the babies could not partake of refreshments except 
the bottles provided by mothers and nurses. The favors 
were rattles of celluloid. 

We are going to have a party! 

Will you come? 
Our welcome will be hearty; 

Will you come? 
Just coax mama to bring you ; 
Some pretty songs we'll sing you ; 
Close to our hearts we'll swing you ; 

Say you'll come ! 

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Party Pastimes for the 

You will see some other babies 

When you come; 
So now no ''ifs" nor "maybes." 

You must come ! 
We're longing to caress you, 
To our loving hearts we'll press you, 
And we'll ask the Lord to bless you. 

'Course you'll come ! 

A Novel Thimble Party 

A YOUTHFUL president of a young people's church so- 
ciety determined to break the monotony of the first meet- 
ing in this way: She asked each girl to bring several 
bright scraps of silk sufficient to make a necktie, and she 
asked each man to bring a thimble costing not over lo 
cents. All the silk pieces were placed in a large basket 
and passed, from which the girls selected a bit to make 
a tie ; the men produced the thimbles and threaded all the 
needles. Envelopes were passed to the men containing 
samples of the silk, and then they found a partner by 
matching the sample with the pieces of silk selected by 
the girls when the basket was passed. After the neck- 
ties were finished each man put on the one made by his 
partner, and she kept the thimble. Serve a supper, or 
merely Hght refreshments as is thought best. If a man 
fails to thread a needle he pays a forfeit. 

A Rainbow Tea 

There were seven tables, beginning with red, then 
orange, yellow, indigo, green, violet and blue. The wait- 
ers for each table were dressed accordingly, and there 
was an arrangement of draperies bringing in all the 
colors that transformed the room into a bower of beauty. 
Below is the menu for each table : 

RED TABLE 

Ham. Tongue. 

Sausage. Dried Beef. Beets. Radishes. 

Cranberries. Cherries. Red Jellies. 

Bread and Butter. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

GREEN TABLE 

Olives. Lettuce Salad. Green Apples. 

Stuffed Green Peppers. Watercress. Cheese Wafers. 

Lettuce Sandwiches. 

ORANGE TABLE 

Orange Cake. Sliced Oranges. 

Plain Oranges. Orange Salad. Orange Ice. 

Cheese. Coffee. 

YELLOW TABLE 

Bananas. Pears. Pineapple. 
Canned Peaches. Sponge Cake. 

VIOLET TABLE 

Violet Sherbet, decorated with candied violets. 

Lady Fingers tied with violet ribbons. 

Violets for sale. 

INDIGO BLUE TABLE 

This table was decorated v^ith blue candies and a 
young v^oman handed out blue tickets that entitled the 
holder to a dish of ice cream or a slice of mince pie, both 
of which were served on blue plates. If a guest wished 
to take the entire course the charge was 50 cents. One 
article could be ordered for 7 cents. 

Fortune's Wheel 

This fortune wheel furnishes an abundant supply of 
fun for children at a party or at a church bazar, where it 
will be a means of adding at least pennies to the coffers. 

There should be a small tent made of a sheet and three 
sticks, or one loaned for the occasion. Then dress up a 
dummy gypsy in gay colors with a hand made by stuffing 
an old glove, fasten a stick in the fingers. Seat the old 
crone at the tent entrance, and then have an axle and 
wheel from oflf an old baby carriage, or any kind of a 
small wheel will answer. A strip of white paper an inch 

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Party Pastimes for the 

wide must be pasted upon the outside of the tire; then 
mark on a row of numbers at regular intervals. 

The stick in the gypsy's hand must rest on the paper 
in such a manner that when the wheel revolves this stick 
will touch the numbers that pass beneath it. Fortunes 
good and plenty must be written on slips of paper 
doubled over and each one numbered to correspond with 
the ones on the wheel. These may be tacked on a board 
in front of the wheel. A cent, or whatever sum is de- 
cided upon, is paid by the youthful aspirant to fortune; 
the wheel is revolved, and when it stops the stick points 
to a number, the number on the fortune slip is pulled 
off and the purchaser of fame or wealth reads his destiny 
amid great laughter if the fortune writer was clever. 

Quilting Supper 

The president of a ladies' aid arranged this interest- 
ing meeting at her country home. The society had a large 
order for comforters, so they combined work with pleas- 
ure. Invitations were issued for a ^'tufting bee,'' the 
frames were set out and everything was ready for work 
on the large piazza when the guests arrived. The hours 
were from "three to seven." At **early candle light'' a 
supper was served. The table centrepiece was a log 
cabin made of twigs, and there were bread sticks, cheese 
straws, candy sticks arranged in log-cabin style at the 
corners of the table. Lights were not necessary, but there 
were quaint brass candlesticks on the table in which the 
hostess lit candles. She had potato salad, hot baking 
powder biscuit, ginger bread, delicious apple sauce 
chilled, iced tea and coffee, old-fashioned sponge cake 
and home-made candy. 

A City Supper 
Instead of having viands typical of countries, a ladies' 
aid society gave a variation of this idea by announcing 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

a supper the food to be typical of certain cities. Those 
represented were: Baltimore, by oysters; Boston, by 
baked beans and brown bread ; Philadelphia, by scrapple ; 
Chicago, by cold ham ; Savannah, by corn pone and beaten 
biscuit; Atlanta, by fried chicken; New Orleans, by 
chicken pilou (chicken stew with rice) ; and San Fran- 
cisco, by oranges or Chinese dishes. 

A Handkerchief Bazar 

This jingle sent to all the friends of the members of a 
church guild brought generous results ; the handkerchiefs 
were sold, tea and wafers were served : 

To all our friends, though far or near, 

We crave your kind attention ; 
So please to lend us now your ear 

While we a subject mention. 

The union will hold 

On a day not distant far, 
If we have been correctly told, 

A handkerchief bazar. 

So this, then, is our plea in brief : 

To help our enterprise, 
You each shall send a handkerchief, 

Of any kind or size. 

To be without a handkerchief 

You know is quite distressing ; 
From every friend let one be sent — 

'Twill surely be a blessing. 

If a handkerchief you can make, 
That^ handkerchief we will surely take ; 
But if you can't, then buy one — 
We'll thank you till your race is run. 

Please send not later than 

To 



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CHAPTER XVII.— PASTIMES FOR SHOW- 
ERS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS 

For the Bride-Elect 

SHOWERS are perfectly lovely if conducted right, 
just the right people asked, and just the right things 
given. Only those near and dear to the honored 
guest should be bidden, and care should be taken that 
pocketbooks are not overtaxed. Let me tell you what a 
bunch of girls did who were close to the happy maiden 
and knew that she was going right to housekeeping. 
They took her into their confidence and told her to get 
the materials for all her curtains (she wisely bought a 
bolt so that all windows would be alike). Then the 
hostess sent out cards on which were written : 

Said So-and-So 
to So-and-So : 
*'Let's sit a while 
and sew." 

In the lower left-hand corner she wrote 'Tor Gertrude 
Brown,'' with day, date, and hour. Such a merry, happy 
time, and as a surprise all the special boys had been asked 
to drop in for a cup of tea at five o'clock. They caught 
the enthusiasm and volunteered to come round and help 
Bob put up the fixtures, so another jolly time was planned 
after the happy event. 

Spoon Shower 

This aflfair was given by the girls of the bridal party 
at the home of the maid of honor. The table was round, 
covered with a lace cloth over green ; as green and white 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

were the bridal colors. White roses and ferns made the 
centrepiece, with white green-banded china, glass candle- 
sticks with lace shades over green. The place cards were 
cut out white roses tied with a bow of green, and the 
bride-elect's chair was tied with a huge fluffy bow of 
green and white tulle. White and green horseshoe-shaped 
candy boxes held the green and white bonbons and a 
green and white Jack Horner pie was passed with dessert, 
from which the guests drew pretty green and white snap- 
ping crackers. Each parcel had the donor's card on 
which was written an appropriate sentiment. The spoons 
were all the same pattern, and as there were six it made 
a very nice set. The men of the wedding party, knowing 
about this, gave a half-dozen forks and the same number 
of tablespoons of the same pattern, 

A Housekeeping Shower 

The hostess and guests were all young matrons, and 
the girl to be married was the last of the set to re- 
nounce single blessedness. Harking back to their old 
sorority days, when the guest of honor arrived she was 
ushered with great solemnity into the den, where the 
hostess informed her she was to be initiated into the 
mysteries of the Housewife's Union, and accordingly 
blindfolded her. Then she was led into the living-room, 
where the worthy matrons sat each with a cap of some 
denomination upon her head; bandanna, turban, two 
sweeping caps, boudoir cap, and hair perfume cap, and 
sunbonnet were represented. Each had on an apron of 
some kind. She was halted before each in turn and 
made to identify the kitchen utensil which was held out 
to her. Every correct answer was greeted with cries of 
**Worthy," and mistakes were proclaimed most vocifer- 
ously "Unworthy." After counting up the "worthy" 



Party Pastimes for the 

guesses she was declared eligible and made to swear to 
the following: 

"I, Mary Jane Snow, soon to be Johnson, do of my own free 
will and accord solemnly promise that I will reveal any and all 
of the secrets of this club to anyone desiring to receive the same ; 
that I will make a never-ending war against germs, dust, and 
poor cooking, and that I will to the utmost of my ability master 
the intricacies of the kitchen range, the maid's temper, and my 
husband's appetite. I furthermore promise that I will not allow 
myself to become disheartened through failures, nor worried 
through trifles; that I will cherish a cheerful face, a cordial 
manner, and repose of spirit beyond any other qualifications of 
my home. To all of which I pledge my sacred word of honor as 
a housekeeper!" 

Then the blindfold was removed, and how the honored 
guest laughed when she saw the array of worthy 
matrons; I forgot to say that each wore a badge of of- 
fice pinned on her left breast right over the heart. These 
were cooking and household articles, some in doll size and 
some only pictures out of magazine advertisements. 
Next she was conducted to each matron in turn, first to 
the one who wore the sweeping cap and long-sleeved 
apron; she was asked the most approved method of 
sweeping and, being pronounced worthy, was presented 
with the cap and apron; then to the Culinary Mistress, 
who questioned her and gave her a model kitchen apron ; 
on to the Mistress of the Tubs, who gave her a clothes- 
pin apron and laundry gloves for winter wear in hanging 
out the washing. The Lady of the Wardrobe told her to 
commit and recite the following: 

A biased bias gathers no plaits. 

Never look a pinked tuck in the seams. 

One shirr in the mull is worth three in the scrim. 

A basque is known by the stitches it keeps. 

You may lead a woman to the machine, but you cannot make 
her hem. 

Better is a slashed gore with bangles than a gusset of tulle 
and Honiton therewith. 

Frilled tatting fulls deep. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

Whereupon she presented a charming apron with pock- 
ets to which were attached scissors, needle book, thimble 
and emery. The last stunt was to usher the happy maiden 
down to the laundry, where she was told to put on her 
clothespin apron and proceed to take down her first 
washing, and this was several dozen dish towels and 
dusters. The last ceremony was investing her with a 
badge representing a bride above and a pretty cook be- 
low ; then she was declared a full-fledged member of the 
Union. 

Rose Shower for a June Bride 

A CHARMING young woman, who was married in this 
month was the recipient of this unusual shower. Her 
name was Rose, and she had planned a rose wedding. 
Knowing this, the hostess decorated entirely with roses, 
and each guest (only six of the honored guests, most 
intimate friends) brought a rose in a pot, the latter 
wrapped in pink crepe paper. One of the following quo- 
tations written on a pink heart was on each rosebush, 
attached by pink ribbon: 

When we should live together in a cozy little cot, 
Hid in a nest of roses, with a fairy garden spot. 
Where the vines were ever fruited and this weather ever fine 
And the birds were ever singing for that old sweetheart of mine. 

— Riley. 

What glory then for me, 

In such a company? 

Roses plenty, roses plenty, 

And one nightingale for twenty. 

— Elizabeth Browning. 

Jasmine is sweet and has many loves, 
And the broom's betrothed to the bee; 

But I will plight with the dainty rose, 
For fairest of all is she. 



-Hood. 



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Party Pastimes for the 

'Tis said, as Cupid danced among 
The gods, he down the nectar flung. 

Which on the white rose being shed 

Made it ever after red. 

— Herrick. 

For there the rose, o*er crag and vale. 

Sultana of the nightingale. 
The maid for whom his melody, 
His thousand songs are heard on high, 

Blooms, blushing, to her lover's tale. 

— Byron. 

Flowers of all hues, and without thorn the rose. 

— Milton. 

A luncheon was served, the centrepiece of pink roses, 
pink petals scattered over the table, pink candles and pink 
silk rose-petal shades. The dessert was pink ice cream 
served in little flower pots in which a pink rosebud was 
planted ; the guests wore pink or white over pink, a pink 
rose was at each place. 

The Dower Chest 

In olden days when a girl was born the mother at once 
started her dower chest, in which fine linen made on the 
estate was placed from year to year against the time 
when the wee maiden would need it as a bride. This was 
especially the custom in European countries. Nowadays 
very few have dower chests, such as those wonderful 
oak chests often carved with armorial bearings or the 
girl's own name ; but the twentieth-century maiden may 
buy a trunk and in it place articles that she sees from 
time to time will be needed for the nest to which she 
expects to go *'some day." I know a girl who is to be 
married in a year, and she says she never lets a week 
pass without adding something to her **hope'' box, as 
she prettily calls it. Perhaps it may be a real bargain in 
towels, or table linen, perhaps a bit of underwear or a 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

pair of silk hose. She hasn't much money, but it is aston- 
ishing how things accumulate when one has a steady 
purpose, and as she shyly said: "A bit of self-denial 
makes the things all the more precious ; and after all, is 
a girl ever quite so happy as when planning for her 
'prince charming's' coming?'' 

A Farewell Shower 

This month brings numerous farewells, along with 
its gayeties; for commencements and weddings usually 
mean partings. A favorite teacher going abroad for her 
vacation was the recipient of such a novel shower that I 
am eager to tell my readers all about it. 

Of course, on short vacation journeys baggage is to be 
considered, and her friends did not wish to cause incon- 
venience by their kindly attentions; so one of the girls 
said: 'Tet's give her a Europe shower," and they did. 
There were envelopes, great and small; some contained 
safety pins ; some, hair pins ; a wee one held court plaster ; 
another, a layer of absorbent cotton; one, clippings of 
jokes ; several were steamer letters. One bulky affair had 
chewing gum and fruit tablets, the latter wrapped in 
waxed paper like caramels. Oh, yes; one neatly tied 
envelope had needles, and various threads wound on card- 
board, with a card containing various sized buttons. The 
envelopes were all placed in a denim bag to hang on her 
steamer chair. 

A Bridal Birthday Shower 

Have you ever heard of a birthday shower for a bride? 

Try it the next time a bride-elect is to be honored. 
This is the way one is managed. The guests are re- 
quested to bring something suitable for her birthday 
month; for instance, say the natal day is in February; 
a heart-shaped pincushion, an amethyst pin, or one of 
Dickens's books, as his birthday is in that month. A 

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Party Pastimes for the 

handsome calendar may do for January, or a thermometer 
to tell how cold it is. An umbrella, or even a pair of 
rubbers, for April ; a fan for July, a broom for Septem- 
ber (Labor Day), etc. You may readily see how amus- 
ing such an aflfair could be made and how interesting it 
would be during the time the parcels were unwrapped. 

Having funny things always adds to the merriment, 
and having a rhyme with each package makes enough 
entertainment, so that no other scheme is necessary. The 
gifts might be brought in a clothes basket or hamper and 
all sent to the bride's home after the party. 

I have heard of similar affairs being given under the 
name of "calendar'' showers; that is, when there are just 
twelve guests and each one brings a gift suitable for the 
month which the hostess designates in the invitation. 
Every one, of course, selects something acceptable and 
appropriate for the bride and her new home. 

A luncheon may or may not precede the shower. 

A Unique Gingham Apron Shower 

A GIRL who had lived in her home town all her life and 
consequently had many friends, was the recipient of this 
acceptable and enjoyable shower. The girls (six in 
number) were asked to bring a gingham apron. They 
consulted, so there would be no two alike. Of the 
material each girl made a necktie which was placed in an 
envelope. The aprons were all finished except the hems, 
which furnished needlework for an hour. At six o'clock 
a man for each girl appeared, the envelopes were passed, 
and the men found their supper partners by matching the 
neckties with the aprons, each girl putting on one and 
the boys wearing the tie that matched. At the close of 
the repast the aprons were all tied about the little bride- 
elect. It was a merry time, and twice as nice because the 
poor neglected bridegroom and ushers were included in 
the fun. 

2^2 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

A Pillow Shower 

This was not given for a bride, but for two girls who 
were going away to school. To furnish their joint sit- 
ting room was the idea of the home girls who gave it. 
The result was a fine collection of useful and ornamental 
pillows or cushions, from those for the couch to dainty 
confections of dotted swiss and ribbon for the dressing- 
table. There were also cushions filled with pins of all 
sizes and with needles. There were denim cushions large 
enough to sit on when placed on the floor, and what 
girl does not adore sitting on the floor in front of the 
fire and dreaming long, happy dreams of the days that 
are yet to come? A bride-elect who heard of the affair 
said she thought such a downpour would be very ac- 
ceptable. 

The Practical Shower 

A YOUNG woman much beloved in her neighborhood 
was to be married, and this delightful shower was ar- 
ranged : She had grown up from babyhood on the same 
street, and one of her mother's friends suggested that 
the neighbors contribute the price of a dozen napkins 
and a tablecloth. Then they had a thimble party and the 
linen was hemmed and monogrammed. The bride was 
perfectly delighted. Try this when planning a linen 
shower. It was no more costly than for each guest to 
give a separate bit of linen. The same idea has been car- 
ried out in sheets and pillow cases, also towels. By the 
way, at afternoon affairs ginger lemonade is quite the 
thing, with tiny fancy crackers or biscuit, as our English 
cousins call them. 

A Progressive Needle Party 

This affair was the amusement offered by a hostess 
at a linen shower given for a recent bride : There were 
twelve guests and four tables. At each table there was a 

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Party Pastimes for the 

bowl containing fifty needles of all sizes, and thread; the 
game was to see which couple could thread the most 
needles in three minutes, the contest beginning and end- 
ing with the tap of a bell. The two having the largest 
score progressed to the next table, each player having 
a dainty pincushion in which pins were stuck to mark the 
progressions. These pins had colored heads. A daintily 
equipped sewing-bag was the head prize, and a little work 
basket of odd design was the second ; embroidery scissors 
in a case made an acceptable consolation prize. Every 
one had the j oiliest kind of a time and it was a most 
easy party to prepare. 

Jelly and Pickle Shower 

The guests each brought either a glass of jelly or a 
jar of some kind of pickles or relish ; the recipe for each 
accompanied the gift, and the hostess presented an alum- 
inum preserving kettle with a spoon of the same material. 
Hot buttered toast, orange marmalade, and tea were 
served, with candied ginger and peppermints. The room 
was decorated with nasturtiums. 

Bath and Laundry Shower 

A MUCH feted bride had had seemingly every kind of 
a shower ; finally a clever young matron proposed a "bath 
and laundry" affair, and it was a great success. 

The twenty guests consulted beforehand, so there were 
no duplicates. Here is a partial list of the gifts : Clothes- 
line ; 7 dozen clothespins ; a bag for same made of denim, 
the name neatly outlined in red; all kinds of starch; a 
hamper for soiled linen; laundry and bath soap; bath 
towels; a dozen wash cloths; a bath brush; an ironing 
board and white felt to cover it ; several laundry bags for 
handkerchiefs and collars and cuffs. These were made of 
white pique, the monogram being worked in colors. An 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

electric iron would be a fine addition if the expense is 
not too much; also a good sized clothes basket, and an 
apron of waterproof material. Oh, yes, I forgot; both 
ball and bottle bluing, ironing holders, irons, rest, and 
wax. 

Idea for a Kitchen Shower 

At a kitchen shower a recipe was brought with the 
article contributed, if it was a utensil requiring a rule. 
For instance, a set of gem pans had directions for making 
the favorite muffins in a household noted for its fine 
cooking. A mixing bowl had a cake recipe attached, and 
some scales were sent with a rule for old-fashioned 
pound-cake. The hostess enclosed a paper for the recipes 
with her invitation, so all were uniform, with the request 
not to fold them; then she had a tooled leather cover 
for them and all were presented to the bride-elect. As 
the lucky man was to take her "way out West'' we can 
imagine how much pleasure this little book will be in the 
days to come. 

A Tree Shower 

A HOSTESS with a large lawn devised this original and 
pretty shower for a summer bride-elect. She had the 
lawn gayly decorated with lanterns and rugs spread 
in cozy spots surrounded by shrubbery, with camp chairs 
and little tables where tea was served. 

The guests were asked to bring articles for a miscel- 
laneous shower. After they arrived there was a short 
musical programme of love songs. The packages were 
tied to a beautiful evergreen, a real little Christmas tree. 
It certainly was a loaded tree, for the hostess had added 
a lot of tin things like cooky cutters, graters, etc., that 
sparkled in a most bewitching manner. 

Each parcel was accompanied by a rhyme or sentiment, 
which was read aloud. The bride-elect was handed a pair 

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Party Pastimes for the 

of scissors and clipped the ribbons, opening each parcel 
as she took it down. This with serving of refreshments 
furnished entertainment for time specified on the invi- 
tations, from ''three to five." Every one was dehghted 
with the novelty and pronounced the affair a charming 
success. 

For Pre-Nuptial Luncheons 

The slipper, bell rose, heart, true-lovers* knot, and 
circle (ring) are all appropriate symbols for place cards 
at a bride-elect's luncheon or dinner party. They may 
be easily made at home. First cut the design out of paper 
until it is satisfactory, then use as a pattern on heavy 
dull paper or cardboard that comes for just such pur- 
poses. 

A very slight knowledge of water colors will serve to 
decorate them with orange blossoms, forget-me-nots, 
heads of pretty girls with coronets of tiny roses, and the 
bride wuth a filmy veil. 

Entire figure place cards are effective with a standard 
to hold them upright at each plate. At one dinner for a 
bridal party the place cards were little photographs of the 
bride and groom in frames of gilt, with mats made from 
the bridal gown. 

A coterie of college girls had these unique souvenirs, 
which also served as place cards. Books were made of 
white satin, with the words ''Our Wedding Cards'' done 
in gold. They were to preserve the wedding cards of the 
girls as they came out, and there were spaces for news- 
paper clippings descriptive of the event; also places for 
a few written notes. 

I think photographs of the bride and groom should be 
added to make this record complete. The name of each 
girl was done in gold on the outside cover, and thus it 
made the place card. 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

Announcing An Engagement 

The hostess asked eight girls to luncheon, and no one 
expected the interesting news that was announced in 
this fashion : The centrepiece was a low mound-shaped 
form of white roses known as ''bride/' and there was 
a delicate fringe around them of maiden-hair ferns and 
mignonette. Over this from the chandelier swung a 
cluster of white wedding-bells ; they were tied with fluffy 
tulle streamers. The place cards were little standing 
cards of a bride and bridegroom cut out, and it did not 
take long to discover that the faces were photographs 
of the young woman, who was soon discovered to be 
the honored guest, and the lucky man, who it was dis- 
covered, was to lead her to the altar. This menu was 
served : Chilled cantaloupe, cream of spinach soup, fillets 
of fresh fish fried in olive oil, with sauce tartare ; creamed 
sweetbreads, green peas in timbales, finger rolls, fruit 
salad, with cheese and bar-le-duc; pineapple sherbet, 
small cakes, coffee. 

A Box Shower 

A JOLLY crowd wishing to shower one of their number 
who was about to get married conceived the idea of giv- 
ing a box shower. The boys were in on it, too, and they 
had loads of fun. All the gifts were in boxes, which 
in turn were put in a huge dry goods box covered with 
white paper cambric on which hearts of red, large and 
small, were pasted. When all had arrived the bell rang 
and the village expressman appeared and said he had a 

small parcel for Miss B ; and imagine the surprise 

when he entered, with the assistance of several of the 
masculine guests, bearing the immense box. The hon- 
ored couple were told they could unpack, but each pack- 
age was to be shown, the card read and speech made be- 
fore the next box was opened. 

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Party Pastimes for the 

Among the articles were boxes of paper, boxes of 
matches, boxes of tacks, boxes of soap, of thread, of 
pins, work box, glove and handkerchief box, stamp box, 
tool box and a nest of boxes ending with a wee pill box 
which contained a collar button, box of tin kitchen 
utensils, box of paper napkins, box of labels, etc. When 
it came to serving refreshments the hostess had a dainty 
luncheon put up in pasteboard boxes covered with rose 
wall paper, a box for each couple; coffee and ice cream 
completed the repast. There were salted almonds and 
bonbons in pretty heart-shaped boxes bearing the mono- 
gram of the bride and groom-elect, which the guests re- 
tained as souvenirs. 

Giving a Towel Shower 

A TOWEL shower is both practical and acceptable. There 
were twelve intimate friends, so the hostess purchased 
a dozen towels of the same pattern and the large papier 
mache letters, with cotton for marking. On the afternoon 
for the shower all assembled with thimbles, and each 
embroidered a letter on a towel; so when refreshments 
were served one dozen beautiful pieces of linen were 
placed before the bride. 

Just a word as to the wearing qualities of these papier 
mache letters, concerning which there seems to be a 
divided opinion. Personally, I have found them most 
satisfactory. If carefully and closely worked they will 
outwear the towel, and that is all that is necessary. 

Salmon salad, tomato canapes, iced coffee and Greek 
bread were served on the screened porch, on three small 
tables. 

At a Pre-Nuptial Luncheon 

Besides the usual love symbols of hearts, true-lovers' 
knots, slippers, etc., at a luncheon given for a bride-elect, 
the hostess had a surprise in the ices, which when brought 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

on proved to be relative to some personal occasion in the 
guest's life. For instance, that for the bride represented 
an engagement ring ; it was a circle of rich yellow cream 
with a huge solitaire diamond made from lemon ice. A 
young girl known to be much interested in a soldier re- 
ceived a perfect little miniature officer with a sword. An- 
other maiden, who it was suspected had turned down a 
prominent society chap, had a cold white heart of lemon 
ice. Every one caught the significance, and there was 
a merry time. 

A Sensible Shower 

This description of a party given by twenty-four girls 
for a bride-elect is certainly just the thing that many a 
girl would rejoice in. 

There is nothing especially new, but it was all carried 
out so beautifully. 

The girls knew that Dolly's room in the new house 
was to be in pink; so what do you think this was? A 
furnishing bee. They didn't know what else to call it. 
The hostess took the bride-elect shopping with her and 
adroitly selected lovely rose-cretonne apparently for her- 
self. When the girls came, each brought a pink rose for 
Dolly, then the hostess said she had work for all, as she 
needed help in what had proved to her too great an 
undertaking for one person. 

As if by magic everyone set to work; pins, scissors, 
thimbles, paste, tacks, and boxes all were on hand and 
the bride-elect remarked all unsuspecting that when she 
went to housekeeping she thought she would have just 
that kind of a party and get her room furnished. Two 
sewing-machines were at hand and the hostess's mother 
offered her services at stitching long seams. 

At five o'clock the maid appeared with glasses of rose 
punch, with a short-stemmed pink rose on each plate, 

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Party Pastimes for the 

which the girls at once put in their hair ; the cakes were 
iced with pink, and sprinkled with pink rose petals 
candied. They were really too pretty to eat. 

Now here is the result of the afternoon's work — ^bed- 
spread with- valance, set of boxes, bureau and chiffonier 
covers, two chair cushions, waste-paper basket, and a 
hat box. "Many hands make quick work,'' was never 
better exemplified. 

At six o'clock in a graceful little speech the hostess, 
in behalf of the guests, presented the gifts to Dolly, who 
was completely taken by surprise. 

I think I never heard of a nicer shower ; each girl con- 
tributed a stated sum, 50 cents, I think, and the hostess 
had all in readiness. Each girl brought what she needed 
to help make the pieces she was best fitted to do, and the 
boxes to be covered were all ready to work on. 

For the Bride 

Many years ago this sentiment appeared in a household 
magazine, and a woman confesses that from reading it 
she formulated a rule she adopted early in her married 
life. It is such excellent advice, I put it here for all 
brides and for those of us who are old housekeepers, too. 
I think the little quotation is by N. P. Willis. Be that as 
it may, the sentiment is one we should all adopt. Let us 
all try to give not only our husbands, but our children 
and friends ''an unclouded welcome." 

The world well tried, the sweetest thing in life 
Is the unclouded welcome of a wife. 

Novel Bridal Shower 

This was such an unusual way of showering the gifts 
that I am delighted to tell my readers about it, for the 
guests had the jolliest kind of a time. In the big living 
room picture ads (with names carefully concealed) were 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

pinned and placed about the room. The guests were 
given cards on which to write down the articles adver- 
tised. The cards and pictures bore duplicate numbers. 
Then all went into another room, where the answers were 
found each in the form of a package done up in white 
tissue paper, tied with ribbon (being the articles the ads 
displayed). All the parcels were one by one put into a 
large white-ribboned clothes basket and given to the 
bride-elect, who proceeded to open them amid showers 
of laughter, as the contents revealed how far short many 
guesses were. 

Fried oysters, coleslaw and coffee were served. 

Progressive **Hearts" 

This is a variation of the ordinary game of ''hearts'' 
and may be played at an engagement announcement party 
or for any pastime at either a daytime or evening party. 
On each table have six cubes ; on each cube have the let- 
ters ''H E A R T S," one letter on each of six sides. 
Shake these and turn onto the table, certain letters count- 
ing so inuch for game ; the number to be decided by the 
hostess. The ones who played thought the game amusing 
and very enjoyable. Heart-shaped aprons were given to 
the guests before they began to play, and the score was 
kept with candy hearts. Heart-shaped ice cream and 
cakes furnished the refreshments. The cakes were iced 
with white with the initials of bride and groom-elect 
traced upon them ; and that is the way the news was made 
known. 

For the Bride-Elect 

The maid of honor gave this pretty luncheon to the 
bride. Only the three maids and two other near friends 
were the guests, making just seven at table. The decora- 
tions were white roses in a tall crystal vase ; an individual 

281 



Party Pastimes for the 

vase at each place held a single white rose, and between 
the doors entering the dining room a white wedding-bell 
was suspended. From the bottom of the bell four white 
satin ribbons floated, which were pulled by the four at- 
tendants, revealing four dainty parcels containing "some- 
thing old, something new, something borrowed, and some- 
thing blue'' to be worn by the little bride on her wed- 
ding day. Tiny white satin slippers held white heart- 
shaped bonbons, and the cake contained a ring, thimble, 
and coin. It was altogether a merry, sweet girlish affair, 
full of charms and happy confidences such as only girls 
of a certain age indulge in when the geese are all swans, 
the bloom still on the peach, and the world viewed 
through rose-colored glasses. Would that the spell lasted 
always ! 

Table for Bridal Luncheon 

The guests were the attendants at the wedding which 
took place the week this luncheon was given by the matron 
of honor. All the appointments were apropos of the 
event to follow. For the centrepiece there was a circular 
path of rice, the edges defined by small trees found in 
the toy department. In the centre of this was a little 
automobile with the dearest of doll bride and groom, a 
tiny trunk, hatbox, and suit case, all marked with the 
initials of the bride- and groom-elect. Around the path 
a procession of bridal attendants marched, even to the 
"bride" and her "father," the ring-bearer, and the flower 
girls. 

The places were outlined with wreaths of myrtle ; and 
pink sweet-peas and pink slippers held candied puffed 
rice at each place. From a beautiful gilded circular 
basket suspended over the table by pink tulle a pink 
ribbon radiated at each place ; these streamers were pulled 
at the close of the repast and brought forth a pink kid 
jeweller's box for each containing the bride's souvenirs 

282 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

for her maids which were little finger rings containing 
the initials and date on two golden hearts. They were 
especially made and very pretty. 

To Announce an Engagement 

At a luncheon given for a dozen girls the guests were 
astonished to find a dainty little blue satin bag at each 
place, the silk cord drawing the top tightly together. Of 
course all were curious to see inside and found a wee toy 
pussy cat with a tiny card tied by narrow blue ribbon 
around its neck, saying ''Marian James, Jack Jones, En- 
gaged." 

Thus the cat was let out of the bag and congratulations 
followed. Oh, yes, I forgot to say that a little wedding 
bell was tied to the ribbon around kitty's neck with the 
cards. 

At a card party some of the guests noticed that the 
ace of hearts in each pack had initials in gilt on it and it 
took some time to make out that these initials were those 
of the hostess and a young man whom they had all been 
questioning about. So here are two new ways of mak- 
ing the glad tidings known. 

Distributing Wedding Favors 

At a bridal party at which only young people were the 
guests the prophetic symbols were allotted in this pretty 
manner: A huge white frosted cake, baked in a funnel 
pan, was the centrepiece. The bride tied a silver tur- 
quoise set ring (it was to be a December wedding and 
turquoise is the stone) to a length of white satin ribbon, 
a solid silver turquoise set thimble to another, a quaint 
Chinese coin to one, a beautiful silver turquoise-studded 
hand-made button to a fourth and a silver heart and 
silver key to the others. These she dropped into the 
centre of the cake in the opening; the ends ran outward 

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Party Pastimes for the 

around the table, where each ended with a white card- 
board heart, on which the monogram of bride and bride- 
groom was done in gold. After dessert all drew ribbons, 
and those lucky enough to draw the tokens applied the 
prophecy to themselves. The white ribbons and heart 
monograms made pleasing souvenirs for the others. 

Another bride had her shower bouquet made in as 
many parts as she had favors. As she went up the stairs 
she untied the binding streamers of tulle and threw the 
parts over the railing, where they were caught by the 
bridal party. 

To Go With Work Basket 

The members of a little sewing club equipped a dainty 
work basket for one of their members who was to be 
married and go over the seas as the wife of a young mis- 
sionary. Some of the gifts were accompanied with de- 
scriptive rhymes which added to the enjoyment of the 
occasion. I give three of the best : 

No ancient knight has borne me 

Aloft on the battlefield, 
Yet dames and maidens countless 

Still use me as a shield. 



A sharp and deadly weapon 
Or a harmless little drill, 

For boring holes in dainty stuffs. 
At my lady's own sweet will. 



-Thimble 



—Stiletto. 



'Tis never too late to mend, 

Is the message with which I'm sent, 

And though the houses I can't repair, 
I often collect the rent. 

— Darning Needles and Cotton. 



Engagement Announcements 

The announcement of an engagement marks a joyous 
period in a girl's life, and the news should be made known 

284 



Up-to-Date Hostess 

amid the happiest of surroundings. Here is the way one 
young woman told the glad tidings: Invitations for 
luncheon were sent to eight of her chosen companions, 
who were the ones she first wished to tell. The centre- 
piece was a low vase filled with tall stalks of larkspur ; at 
each place was a small sponge-cake lady-finger encircled 
by a paste diamond ring purchased at the 5-and-io-cent 
store, while the bride-elect had her own engagement ring 
on hers with a spray of artificial orange blossoms tied to 
it All the others had knots of blue ribbon, her chosen 
color. 

Another simple but effective way of announcing the 
news is to have a ribbon running to each place from the 
centre with a heart attached with just one letter on it; 
the whole spelling ^^CONGRATULATIONS.'' This 
scheme of course requires as many guests as there are 
letters ; the one holding letter C should be seated next to 
the bride-elect, and if the lucky man is present, the one 
having the last letter should be placed next to him. Of 
course every one immediately showers him with congratu- 
lations. Sometimes the letters spell ''Congratulate us" 
or "Congratulate us two," according to how many are 
being entertained. 

One girl created lots of fun by giving a luncheon at 
which a lantern filled with scarlet geraniums was the 
centrepiece. At each place was a red candle in a small 
brass holder — (cost ten cents), and a roll of paper tied 
with gilt and red cord sealed with red. The name of the 
guest was attached written on a small card. The hostess 
said these were documents containing valuable informa- 
tion and a prize would be given to the one who first made 
out the record contained and told it to the others. Every- 
one got busy and carefully opened the mysterious docu- 
ment, which on close examination appeared perfectly 
blank. The hostess then suggested that the candles be 
lighted (the maid appeared with wax matches) and the 

285 . 



Party Pastimes for the 

"parchment'' held over the flames; whereupon the writ- 
ing, done in invisible ink, began to appear and the an- 
nouncement made from "Cupid's Court'' of the engage- 
ment of Marie George and Homer White. 

Excitement ran to high pitch, as the announcement was 
a complete surprise, and the smiling hostess was over- 
whelmed not only with good wishes, but upon the way she 
had kept her secret and the novel way in which she told it. 

This is the way a girl who was betrothed to a young 
architect made known her engagement. Her mother gave 
a dinner party, the centrepiece was a cunning doll-house 
over which hung this sentiment printed as a sign board : 
"Home Keeping Hearts are Happiest.'' The hostess ex- 
plained that the key at each plate would give the answer 
to the situation, as one of them would unlock the pad- 
lock on the front door and reveal the owner. Every one 
tried except the daughter of the house. As all gave up, 
she said perhaps the very tiny key at her place would do 
it ; it did, and the man in the question was announced as 
the architect. It was all very amusing as the light began 
to dawn. 

Last of all the schemes that have come to my notice 
lately is that by which the announcement was made by 
birds. The hostess had a "pie" made and there were just 
"twenty-four" guests. It was an afternoon party, and the 
"pie" was brought in with refreshments. Each guest 
pulled a ribbon, on the end of which was a little toy black- 
bird bearing a card with some bit of gossip such as "One 
little bird said. There is something in the air' " ; another 
said, "It's time for billing and cooing" ; another said, "The 
bride-to-be is not far away" ; one said, "He is coming to 
town this week," etc., until the day, date, and hour are 
told by the birds. This, of course, will have to be ar- 
ranged by each individual hostess, but the scheme is a 
very good one and makes much merriment. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

An Announcement Luncheon 

A YOUNG woman whose engagement had been kept a 
profound secret, owing to the fact that the happy man 
was in a distant country, wished to announce her news 
and at the same time select her bridal party. She asked 
the would-be matron of honor and the five maids to a 
luncheon. There was nothing unusual in this, for they 
were all good friends. On entering the dining-room they 
found a pink and white rose table. A low bowl held 
several dozen bride and bridesmaids' roses. At the 
matron's plate there was a white and pink rose tied with 
pink and white gauze ribbon ; at the others a single brides- 
maid rose tied with white gauze. From the mass of roses 
to each plate pink and white satin ribbons alternately 
radiated, ending with a gilt arrow on one and a gilt heart 
on the next. Every one exclaimed, but the hostess gave 
no explanation until all were seated, then she asked each 
girl to pull her ribbon carefully, and lovely wee dolls 
exquisitely dressed as bride, matron and maids came 
from the roses where they had been concealed by ferns 
and vines. In this way the story was told and the re- 
quests made. 

An Announcement Party 

There was nothing unusual about the invitations to this 
party, which was an affair for about thirty young people 
who were in the same social set. When the dancing com- 
menced some one observed that the young hostess seemed 
especially taken with a young man who had recently come 
to town. Presently some one noticed that the wedding 
march was being played by the harp which furnished the 
music. This was followed by these melodies : ''Mendels- 
sohn's Wedding March," the "Bridal Chorus" from "Lo- 
hengrin," "Hearts and Flowers," "My Heart at Thy 
Sweet Voice," "The Voice That Breathed O'er Eden," 

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Party Pastimes for the 

"Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms/' 
"The Sweetest Story Ever Told/' "Beloved it is Morn/' 
"Oh Promise Me." 

The songs were rendered by a vocalist behind a screen. 
When the program was finished the host and hostess 
asked all to come to the dining-room, where a large loving 
cup was passed, and all were asked to drink to the health 
of the happy pair who stood side by side while the toasts 
were being offered. Then all went back for a merry, in- 
formal dance amid showers of congratulations. 



An Announcement Party 

This was given in the evening, and both men and 
women were asked. There were about twenty guests, 
all good friends, so the affair was not at all stiff. The 
hostess passed cards tied with true-lover's knots of blue 
with little blueprints (snapshots) of the happy pair at 
the top. Below, the word "Matrimony" was printed in 
blue and gold letters. The game was to see how many 
words (proper names barred) could be made in a half- 
hour. 

Every one was surprised at the announcement, which 
was told without any other explanation, and the couple 
were overwhelmed with congratulations. 

At the conclusion of the word contest a basket was 
passed containing tiny bells, wee slippers, two rings, two 
hearts, envelopes containing a love message, etc. Thus 
partners were found by matching these love tokens. Then, 
to the music of Lohengrin's wedding march, they went to 
the dining-room, where this dainty repast was served: 
Creamed chicken in heart-shaped patties ; hot biscuit, also 
heart-shaped ; ambrosia and pink-iced heart cakes. "Lov- 
er's delight" nectar was served in tall glasses. This was 
merely grape juice with plenty of cracked ice. 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

A Hosiery Shower 

Covers were laid for ten ; the hostess seated the hon- 
ored guest opposite her at the foot of the long table ; the 
chair was decorated with a large bow of white tulle ; the 
centrepiece was bride' roses in a low-cut glass bowl, over 
which a dear little Cupid was suspended. Across the room 
there was a narrow white satin ribbon in lieu of a clothes- 
line, from which hung ten pairs of silk hose, fastened oil 
with gilded clothes pins. They were arranged just to 
hang over the space occupied by the long table. From 
the toe of each pair the donor's card was attached by 
ribbon, and on each card a sentiment or jingle was writ- 
ten. 

A Garden Shower 

This is the very latest in ''showers," but it is not ap- 
propriate except for the girl who is to go to housekeep- 
ing where there is a yard. Would that every bridegroom 
could endow his bride with a good old-fashioned garden. 
This affair is especially appropriate for a lawn or porch 
party, with the guests expected to wear tub suits; each 
one to bring a potted plant, vine, slip, bush, shrub or even 
flower seeds. The refreshments are to be characteristic, 
with ice cream in flower pots, tiny watering cans for 
souvenirs, garden tools as a joint gift to the bride from 
those present. Each one should give instructions as to the 
care of the particular floral offering that she brings. This 
may be made a most unique affair, quite out of the ordi- 
nary. 

An Announcement Dinner 

In years gone by, when a girl was to be married she 
had a wedding either large or small according to her 
pocketbook and her own individual wishes. Now 
when there is to be a wedding the engagement is an- 
nounced with due pomp and ceremony entailing often- 

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Party Pastimes for the 

times a large social affair. Then all the aunts and cousins 
on both sides of the house plan an array of parties. Just 
before the wedding there are showers galore. And then 
the wedding day. 

After the honeymoon all the people who entertained 
for the bride-elect feel in duty bound to invite the bride 
and groom to a round of parties until, as one newly-made 
benedict expressed it, he felt as if out of self -protection 
he and his wife would have to flee to the tall timbers in 
order to become acquainted with each other and avoid 
being constantly on parade. 

This is a description of a most charming announce- 
ment dinner given to the young people to be included in a 
bridal party. The centrepiece was a gorgeous heart of 
pink carnations, and the place cards were tied to dainty 
pink bows and arrows. The following menu was written 
in gold on heart-shaped cards : "Cream of Love Apples,'* 
which was tomato soup; ''Chickens that have lost their 
hearts," chicken breasts made into cutlets ; "Turtle Dove'* 
salad, made from squabs served in heart-shaped cases. 
The ice cream was in true-lover's knots and the cakes 
were "kisses.*' The bonbon boxes at each plate were pink 
satin hearts with the initials of the couple done in gold 
letters. 

With the dessert the maid brought in a beautiful Jack 
Horner pie in the shape of a wedding bell ; the pink rib- 
bons were drawn by the girls, the blue by the men in the 
party. On the end of each was a card bearing the two 
names and such messages as "Will you be our maid of 
honor ?" "Will you serve as our best man ?" etc. 

Every one was wildly excited, of course, and more so 
when, with the coffee in the drawing-room, the bride and 
groom-elect gave the attendants presents, which for the 
girls were carved ivory parasol handles and for the men 
stunning umbrella handles. They were all requested to 
say what color they wished the respective covers to be 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 

and were invited to a dinner after the wedding to be given 
in the new home at which the parasols and umbrellas were 
to be ready for use. This certainly was an innovation in 
bridal gifts, and a very practical one. 

Announcement Luncheon 

Rice and slippers, slippers and rice, 
Quaint old symbols of all that's nice 
And a world made up of sugar and spice, 

With a honeymoon always shining; 
A world where the birds keep house by twos, 
And the ringdove calls and the stockdove coos, 
And maids are many and men may choose, 

And never shall love go pining. 

Thise pretty quotation was written on the heart-shaped 
place card which each maid found at her place at a lily- 
of-jthe- valley luncheon (if these dainty flowers are not in 
season, use white roses or whatever is easily obtainable, 
according to the locality). There were little slippers, the 
bag top being filled with rice ; tiny white tapers in wee 
glass holders at each place; and the girl's candle that 
burned clearest, without sputtering or smoking, was sup- 
posed to be the next bride. The symbols told the story, 
and the huge bow of white tulle on the bride-elect's chair 
told who was the honored maid. 

Toasts and Sentiments 

For Sweethearts and Brides 

Here's to man, God's first thought. 

Here's to woman, God's second thought. 

As second thoughts are best. 

Here's to woman. 

He that hath wife and children hath given hostages fortune. 

No jealousy their dawn of love o'ercast, 
Nor blasted were their wedding days with strife ; 
Each season looked delightful as it passed 
To the fond husband and the faithful wife. 

291 



Party Pastimes forthe 

God, the best maker of all marriages, 
Combine your hearts in one. 

One cannot be fully happy until after his sixtieth year. 



What hath this day preserved? What hath it done, 
That it in golden letters should be set 
Among the high tides in the calendar? 

Our day of marriage shall be yours — 

One feast, one house, one mutual happiness. 



This night I hold an old accustomed feast. 
Whereto I have invited many a guest, 
Such as I love ; and you among the store. 

They eat and drink, and in communion sweet 
. Quafif immortality and joy. 

May every joy attend you. 
And heaven daily send you 

Blessings in heart and home, 
A faithful knight to tend you. 
And gallantly defend you. 

Wherever you may roam. 

She is beautiful, therefore may be wooed, 
She is a woman, therefore may be won. 

Oh ! there's nothing half so sweet in life 
As Love's young dream. 

For love is heaven and heaven is love. 

'Tis better to have loved and lost 
Than never to have loved at all. 

There's beggary in the love that can be reckoned. 

Then come the wild weather, 

Come sleet or come snow, 
We will stick by each other. 

However it blow. 

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Up-to-Date Hoste s s 

To the housewife — May her coffee and the slanders 
against her alike ever be without grounds. 

Recipe for Happiness 

To make it — Take a hall dimly lit, 
A pair of stairs where two may sit, 
Of music soft, a bar or so. 
Two pairs of — just two pairs, you kno\ 
A waist the size to be embraced; 
And two ripe lips, rosebud, to taste, 
And if the lips are soft and sweet, 
You'll find your happiness complete. 

Shower for a Bridegroom 

A CERTAIN bride-to-be had been the recipient of show- 
ers innumerable, so a dozen young bachelors carried out 
this scheme. They invited a dozen girls to a "den'' and 
"shop'' shower. All the bridegroom's intimate friends 
knew his fad for using tools and his dream of a shop of 
his own. The affair was given at night, and a right merry 
time resulted. The girls arranged to bring articles espe- 
cially suitable for the den and the men came bearing a 
good-sized chest for the tools, with many acceptable in- 
struments. There were no invitations out for this wed- 
ding, as it was to be an entirely private ceremony, so the 
friends were glad to make an opportunity for bestowing 
some tokens of esteem. A Dutch supper was served at 
ten o'clock, consisting of potato salad, rye bread sand- 
wiches, herring, pickles, coffee, beer, with crackers, cheese 
and apple tarts. 

An Engagement Announcement 
How shall I tell the girls of my engagement? was the 
question confronting a pretty senior at college who wished 
to break the news before the girls separated for the sum- 
mer. This is the way she did it. 

There were just twelve girls, so she purchased twelve 
imitation diamond rings for a trifling sum (about 20 

293 



Party Pastimes for the 

cents each), placed them in ring boxes bearing the name 
of the most reliable jeweler in the town and put them 
on the place cards beside each plate. Her own blazing 
solitaire she put in the box beside her plate. 

Of course, the first thing the girls did was to open the 
boxes, and it did not take two minutes to distinguish the 
real significance of the occasion, and hearty congratula- 
tions followed. 

Announcing an Engagement 

How to announce Polly's engagement was the question 
before the house. **I will tell you what we'll do," said 
the never-failing clever woman, 'Til do it all." She took 
cream-colored correspondence cards and with her type- 
writer wrote little incidents in the engaged girl's life, and 
these cards, when placed in chronological order, revealed 
the news. The cards were passed with the dessert course, 
and the subjects covered were her first day at school, the 
graduation, her debut, her trip abroad, her most eventful 
episode, and then the denoument. After all had read the 
cards, a huge silver loving-cup filled with claret punch 
was passed, each girl making a wish for the honored 
guest. The nut-holders and cake were heart-shaped, and 
the flowers were pink roses and forget-me-nots. After 
luncheon the hostess produced a dozen pretty cross-bar 
tea towels, which were hemmed with tongues and fingers 
new. Altogether, Polly said that it had been the "hap- 
piest time ever." 

Guessing Who Is Engaged 

A YOUNG woman who had been away from her home 
town on a prolonged trip returned and announced her 
engagement in this way. She had managed to keep her 
secret, and so when eight of her girl friends were bidden 
to a luncheon they did not suspect the denouement that 
was to be made. When they went to the dining-room the 

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Up-to-Date Hostess 



decorations and cards set them to thinking, for the cen- 
trepiece was a glass plateau on which was placed a boat 
under sail. There were suit-case favors at each place 
with a card, which read: "The man in the case"; also 
wee satin bags out of which a cat's face came with a wee 
card around its neck saying, *'The cat's out of the bag." 
The hostess explained that the centrepiece represented the 
*'Sea of Matrimony," and told the guests they were to 
guess who was about to embark upon it. The suit cases 
were opened and revealed the photograph of the *'man in 
the case," but no one knew him. By adroit questioning 
the hostess was found out, and congratulations followed. 

Carnival of Merry Lovers 

A YOUNG woman who wished to announce her engage- 
ment in a unique manner issued invitations for a fancy 
dress party in which the guests were requested to come 
dressed as ''famous lovers." Husbands and wives, broth- 
ers and sisters, maids and their favorite swains came 
together and great was the fun trying to guess who was 
who. There were John Alden and Priscilla, Hiawatha 
and Minnehaha, Paul and Virginia, Queen Elizabeth and 
Essex, Dante and Beatrice, Napoleon and Josephine, etc. 
All characters were kept secret and the host asked the 
following questions: 

Are you fact or fiction? 

Are you living or dead? (If left alive in the story they are 
supposed to be living.) 

Did your love lead to marriage? 
Either. What prevented? 

Or, Did you live happy ever after : 

What influence had the man's love on the woman? 
What influence had the woman's love on the man ? 
What was the most stirring event of your history? 

The young hostess was dressed in a becoming evening 
gown, and her brother, who acted as host, was not dis- 

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Party Pastimes for the 

guised. There was one man whom no one could guess, 

as he wore a masque and black domino. After a lively 

time guessing, and when nearly every one was discovered, 

the mysterious stranger was found beside the hostess ; 

and her brother in the following words broke the news to 

the merry lovers : 

As you, dear friends, are fact and not fiction, living and not 
dead; as your love led to marriage, and you have lived happy 
ever after, we wish to-night to offer our congratulations and our 
good wishes for the future to our hostess and her fiance, Mr. 
John Blank. 

It is needless to say that hearty congratulations were 
in order and a jolly dance followed. The refreshments 
were simply ice cream in the shape of double hearts, one 
pink, one white, and small heart cakes. A fruit frappe 
was served from a bowl surrounded by a wreath of pink 
roses, and each guest was given a rose as a souvenir. 



The End. 



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